UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                                    to
Commission file number 001-14157
tds-20200930_g1.jpg
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware36-2669023
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(IRS Employer Identification No.)

30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 4000,, Chicago,, Illinois60602
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (312) 630-1900
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, $.01 par valueTDSNew York Stock Exchange
6.625% Senior Notes due 2045TDINew York Stock Exchange
6.875% Senior Notes due 2059TDENew York Stock Exchange
7.000% Senior Notes due 2060TDJNew York Stock Exchange
5.875% Senior Notes due 2061TDANew York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, $.01 par valueTDSNew York Stock Exchange
6.625% Senior Notes due 2045TDINew York Stock Exchange
6.875% Senior Notes due 2059TDENew York Stock Exchange
7.000% Senior Notes due 2060TDJNew York Stock Exchange
5.875% Senior Notes due 2061TDANew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.YesNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).YesNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reportingEmerging growth company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).YesNo

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, is 107,034,900107,051,300 Common Shares, $.01 par value, and 7,260,8007,273,800 Series A Common Shares, $.01 par value.




Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
For the Period Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020




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Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Executive Overview
The following discussion and analysis compares Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.’s (TDS) financial results for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, to the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019. It should be read in conjunction with TDS’ interim consolidated financial statements and notes included herein, and with the description of TDS’ business, its audited consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) included in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2019. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers. 
This report contains statements that are not based on historical facts, including the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects” and similar expressions. These statements constitute and represent “forward looking statements” as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. See Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement for additional information.
TDS uses certain “non-GAAP financial measures” and each such measure is identified in the MD&A. A discussion of the reason TDS determines these metrics to be useful and a reconciliationreconciliations of these measures to their most directly comparable measures determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) are included in the Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures section within the MD&A of this Form 10-Q Report.
General
TDS is a diversified telecommunications company that provides high-quality communications services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide. TDS provides wireless services through its 82%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (U.S. Cellular)(UScellular). TDS also provides wireline and cable services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom). TDS' segments operate entirely in the United States. See Note 12 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about TDS' segments.
The impact of the global spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) on TDS' future operations is uncertain. There are many factors, including the severity and duration of the outbreak, as well as other direct and indirect impacts, that are expected to negatively impact TDS.
See the following areas within this MD&A for additional discussion of the impacts of COVID-19:
Results of Operations — Income tax expense
Business Overview — U.S. CellularUScellular
Operational Overview — U.S. CellularUScellular
Business Overview — TDS Telecom
Financial Overview — TDS Telecom
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Risk Factors


chart-7c798818c78959d4b8f.jpgtds-20200930_g2.jpg

1


TDS Mission and Strategy
TDS’ mission is to provide outstanding communications services to its customers and meet the needs of its shareholders, its people, and its communities. In pursuing this mission, TDS seeks to grow its businesses, create opportunities for its associates and employees, support the communities it serves, and build value over the long-term for its shareholders. Across all of its businesses, TDS is focused on providing exceptional customer experiences through best-in-class services and products and superior customer service.
TDS’ long-term strategy calls for the majority of its operating capital to be reinvested in its operating businesses to strengthen their competitive positions and financial performance, while also returning value to TDS shareholders primarily through the payment of a regular quarterly cash dividend. 
TDS plans to build shareholder value by continuing to execute on its strategies to build strong, competitive businesses providing high-quality, data-focused services and products. Strategic efforts include:
U.S. Cellular offers economical and competitively priced service plans and devices to its customers and is focused on increasing revenues from sales of related products such as accessories and device protection plans and from new services such as home internet. In addition, U.S. Cellular
UScellular offers economical and competitively priced service plans and devices to its customers and is focused on increasing revenues from sales of related products such as accessories and device protection plans and from new services such as home internet. In addition, UScellular is focused on expanding its solutions available to business and government customers.
U.S. Cellular continues to devote efforts to enhance its network capabilities. VoLTE technology is now available to nearly 90% of U.S Cellular's subscribers, and deployments in additional operating markets are expected later in 2020. VoLTE technology allows customers to utilize a 4G LTE network for both voice and data services and offers enhanced services such as high definition voice and simultaneous voice and data sessions.
U.S. Cellular has launched commercial 5G services in Iowa and Wisconsin and will continue to launch in additional areas throughout 2020 and beyond. 5G technology is expected to help address customers' growing demand for data services as well as create opportunities for new services requiring high speed, reliability and low latency. In addition to the deployment of 5G technology, U.S. Cellular is also modernizing its 4G LTE network to further enhance 4G LTE speeds.
U.S. Cellular assesses its existing wireless interests on an ongoing basis with a goal of improving the competitiveness of its operations and maximizing its long-term return on capital. As part of this strategy, U.S. Cellular actively seeks attractive opportunities to acquire wireless spectrum, including pursuant to FCC auctions such as Auctions 103 and 105.
TDS Telecom’s Wireline business continues to focus on driving growth in its broadband and video services by investing in fiber deployment in new out-of-territory markets and in existing markets. Construction continues in the out-of-territory clusters in Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. With support from the FCC's A-CAM program and state broadband grants, Wireline is also deploying higher speed broadband to unserved and under-served service addresses in rural areas within its current markets.
TDS Telecom’s Cable business continues to increase its broadband penetration by making network capacity investments, including upgrading to DOCSIS 3.1, and by offering more advanced services in its markets.
TDS Telecom's Wireline and Cable businesses continue to invest in a next generation video platform called TDS TV+ to enhance video services. TDS Telecom has rolled out this service in certain Wireline and Cable markets in the second quarter and has plans to roll out to additional markets throughout the remainder of 2020.


UScellular continues to devote efforts to enhance its network capabilities. UScellular will complete its deployment of VoLTE technology in the fourth quarter of 2020. VoLTE technology allows customers to utilize a 4G LTE network for both voice and data services and offers enhanced services such as high definition voice and simultaneous voice and data sessions. 
UScellular has launched commercial 5G services in portions of Iowa, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin and will continue to launch in additional areas throughout 2020 and beyond. 5G technology is expected to help address customers' growing demand for data services as well as create opportunities for new services requiring high speed, reliability and low latency. In addition to the deployment of 5G technology, UScellular is also modernizing its 4G LTE network to further enhance 4G LTE speeds.
UScellular assesses its existing wireless interests on an ongoing basis with a goal of improving the competitiveness of its operations and maximizing its long-term return on capital. As part of this strategy, UScellular actively seeks attractive opportunities to acquire wireless spectrum, including pursuant to FCC auctions such as Auctions 103, 105 and 107.
TDS Telecom’s Wireline business continues to focus on driving growth in its broadband and video services by investing in fiber deployment in new out-of-territory markets and in existing markets. Construction concurrent with sales launches is underway in out-of-territory market clusters in Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. With support from the FCC's A-CAM program and state broadband grants, Wireline is also deploying higher speed broadband to unserved and under-served service addresses in rural areas within its current markets.
TDS Telecom’s Cable business continues to increase its broadband penetration by making network capacity investments, including upgrading to DOCSIS 3.1, and by offering more advanced services in its markets.
TDS Telecom's Wireline and Cable businesses continue to invest in and roll out a next generation video platform called TDS TV+ to enhance video services.
2



Terms Used by TDS
The following is a list of definitions of certain industry terms that are used throughout this document:
4G LTE – fourth generation Long-Term Evolution, which is a wireless technology that enables more network capacity for more data per user as well as faster access to data compared to third generation (3G) technology.
5G – fifth generation wireless technology that is expected to help address customers’ growing demand for data services as well as create opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency.
Account – represents an individual or business financially responsible for one or multiple associated connections. An account may include a variety of types of connections such as handsets and connected devices.
Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) – a USF support mechanism for rate-of-return carriers, which provides revenue support through 2028. This support comes with an obligation to build defined broadband speeds to a certain number of locations.
Auctions 103, 105 and 107 – Auction 103 is an FCC auction of 37, 39, and 47 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in December 2019 and concluded in March 2020. Auction 105 is an FCC auction of 3.5 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in July 2020 and concluded in September 2020. Auction 107 is an FCC auction of 3.7-3.98 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that is scheduled to begin in December 2020.
Broadband Connections – refers to the number of Wireline customers provided high-capacity data circuits via various technologies, including DSL and dedicated internet circuit technologies or the Cable billable number of lines into a building for high-speed data services.
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.
Connected Devices – non-handset devices that connect directly to the UScellular network. Connected devices include products such as tablets, wearables, modems, and hotspots.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – economic relief package signed into law on March 27, 2020 to address the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19, including a variety of tax provisions.
DOCSIS – Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification is an international telecommunications standard that permits the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing cable TV (CATV) system. DOCSIS 3.1 is a system specification that increases data transmission rates.
EBITDA – refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted EBITDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.
FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge – voluntary FCC initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of the exceptional circumstance.
Fiber Out-of-Territory Builds – represents construction of facilities-based market expansions outside of TDS' incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) and competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) footprint.
Free Cash Flow – non-GAAP metric defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.
Gross Additions – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, without regard to connections that were terminated during that period.
IPTV – internet protocol television.
ManagedIP Connections – refers to the number of telephone handsets, data lines and IP trunks providing communications using IP networking technology.
Net Additions (Losses) – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, net of connections that were terminated during that period.
OIBDA – refers to operating income before depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted OIBDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.
Postpaid Average Revenue per Account (Postpaid ARPA) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid accounts and by the number of months in the period.
Postpaid Average Revenue per User (Postpaid ARPU) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid connections and by the number of months in the period.
Retail Connections – the sum of UScellular postpaid connections and UScellular prepaid connections.
Universal Service Fund (USF) – a system of telecommunications collected fees and support payments managed by the FCC intended to promote universal access to telecommunications services in the United States.
UScellular Connections – individual lines of service associated with each device activated by a customer. Connections include all types of devices that connect directly to the UScellular network.
Video Connections – represents the number of Wireline customers provided video services. For Cable, generally, a home or business receiving video programming counts as one video connection. In counting bulk residential or commercial connections, such as an apartment building or a hotel, connections are counted based on the number of units/rooms within the building receiving service.
Voice Connections – refers to the individual circuits connecting a customer to Wireline’s central office facilities that provide voice services or the Cable billable number of lines into a building for voice services.
VoLTE – Voice over Long-Term Evolution is a technology specification that defines the standards and procedures for delivering voice communications and related services over 4G LTE networks.
4G LTEfourth generation Long-Term Evolution, which is a wireless technology that enables more network capacity for more data per user as well as faster access to data compared to third generation (3G) technology.
5Gfifth generation wireless technology that is expected to help address customers’ growing demand for data services as well as create opportunities for new services requiring high speed and reliability as well as low latency.
Account – represents an individual or business financially responsible for one or multiple associated connections. An account may include a variety of types of connections such as handsets and connected devices.
Alternative Connect America Cost Model (A-CAM) – a USF support mechanism for rate-of-return carriers, which provides revenue support through 2028. This support comes with an obligation to build defined broadband speeds to a certain number of locations.
Auctions 103 and 105 – Auction 103 is an FCC auction of 37, 39, and 47 GHz wireless spectrum licenses that started in December 2019 and concluded in March 2020. Auction 105 is an FCC auction of 3.5 GHz wireless spectrum licenses and bidding commenced in July 2020.
Broadband Connections – refers to the number of Wireline customers provided high-capacity data circuits via various technologies, including DSL and dedicated internet circuit technologies or the Cable billable number of lines into a building for high-speed data services.
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.
Connected Devices – non-handset devices that connect directly to the U.S. Cellular network. Connected devices include products such as tablets, wearables, modems, and hotspots.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – economic relief package signed into law on March 27, 2020 to address the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19, including a variety of tax provisions.
DOCSIS – Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification is an international telecommunications standard that permits the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing cable TV (CATV) system. DOCSIS 3.1 is a system specification that increases data transmission rates.
EBITDA – refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted EBITDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.
FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge – voluntary FCC initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of the exceptional circumstance.
Fiber Out-of-Territory Builds – represents construction of facilities-based market expansions outside of TDS' ILEC and CLEC footprint.
Free Cash Flow – non-GAAP metric defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.
Gross Additions – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, without regard to connections that were terminated during that period.
ManagedIP Connections – refers to the number of telephone handsets, data lines and IP trunks providing communications using IP networking technology.
Net Additions (Losses) – represents the total number of new connections added during the period, net of connections that were terminated during that period.
OIBDA – refers to operating income before depreciation, amortization and accretion and is used in the non-GAAP metric Adjusted OIBDA throughout this document. See Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for additional information.
Postpaid Average Revenue per Account (Postpaid ARPA) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid accounts and by the number of months in the period.
Postpaid Average Revenue per User (Postpaid ARPU) – metric which is calculated by dividing total postpaid service revenues by the average number of postpaid connections and by the number of months in the period.
Retail Connections – the sum of U.S. Cellular postpaid connections and U.S. Cellular prepaid connections.
Universal Service Fund (USF) – a system of telecommunications collected fees and support payments managed by the FCC intended to promote universal access to telecommunications services in the United States.
U.S. Cellular Connections – individual lines of service associated with each device activated by a customer. Connections include all types of devices that connect directly to the U.S. Cellular network.
Video Connections – represents the number of Wireline customers provided video services. For Cable, generally, a home or business receiving video programming counts as one video connection. In counting bulk residential or commercial connections, such as an apartment building or a hotel, connections are counted based on the number of units/rooms within the building receiving service.
Voice Connections – refers to the individual circuits connecting a customer to Wireline’s central office facilities that provide voice services or the Cable billable number of lines into a building for voice services.
VoLTE – Voice over Long-Term Evolution is a technology specification that defines the standards and procedures for delivering voice communications and related services over 4G LTE networks.
Wireline Residential Revenue per Connection – is calculated by dividing total Wireline residential revenue by the average number of Wireline residential connections and by the number of months in the period.

3


Wireline Residential Revenue per Connection – metric which is calculated by dividing total Wireline residential revenue by the average number of Wireline residential connections and by the number of months in the period.
4

Results of Operations — TDS Consolidated
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019 2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019 202020192020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)           (Dollars in millions)
Operating revenues           Operating revenues
U.S. Cellular$973
 $973
 
 $1,937
 $1,939
 
UScellularUScellular$1,027 $1,031 $2,964 $2,970 
TDS Telecom241
 233
 3 % 481
 464
 4 %TDS Telecom247 231 %728 695 %
All other1
49
 55
 (10)% 106
 115
 (7)%
All other1
50 59 (16)%157 175 (10)%
Total operating revenues1,263
 1,261
 
 2,524
 2,518
 
Total operating revenues1,324 1,321 3,849 3,840 
Operating expenses           Operating expenses
U.S. Cellular920
 943
 (2)% 1,833
 1,844
 (1)%
UScellularUScellular962 1,011 (5)%2,796 2,855 (2)%
TDS Telecom210
 204
 3 % 422
 398
 6 %TDS Telecom219 212 %641 609 %
All other1
55
 66
 (17)% 118
 134
 (11)%
All other1
56 69 (20)%174 205 (14)%
Total operating expenses1,185
 1,213
 (2)% 2,373
 2,376
 
Total operating expenses1,237 1,292 (4)%3,611 3,669 (2)%
Operating income (loss) 
  
  
      Operating income (loss)   
U.S. Cellular53
 30
 74 % 104
 95
 9 %
UScellularUScellular65 20 N/M168 115 46 %
TDS Telecom31
 29
 6 % 59
 66
 (10)%TDS Telecom28 20 44 %87 86 %
All other1
(6) (11) 51 % (12) (19) 35 %
All other1
(6)(11)45 %(17)(30)39 %
Total operating income78
 48
 63 % 151
 142
 6 %Total operating income87 29 N/M238 171 39 %
Investment and other income (expense)           Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities44
 41
 8 % 90
 85
 5 %Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities48 44 10 %138 129 %
Interest and dividend income2
 9
 (76)% 8
 17
 (53)%Interest and dividend income4 (49)%12 24 (52)%
Gain (loss) on investmentsGain (loss) on investments3 — N/M3 — N/M
Interest expense(38) (43) 10 % (75) (86) 12 %Interest expense(43)(42)(1)%(119)(128)%
Other, net
 
 59 % (1) 1
 (57)%Other, net — (60)%(1)— (58)%
Total investment and other income8
 7
 22 % 22
 17
 34 %Total investment and other income12 38 %33 25 35 %
           
Income before income taxes86
 55
 58 % 173
 159
 9 %Income before income taxes99 38 N/M271 196 38 %
Income tax expense8
 16
 (47)% 12
 50
 (76)%Income tax expense6 15 (61)%17 64 (73)%
           
Net income78
 39
 N/M
 161
 109
 47 %Net income93 23 N/M254 132 92 %
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax13
 6
 100 % 26
 17
 53 %Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax15 N/M42 22 87 %
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders$65
 $33
 N/M
 $135
 $92
 46 %Net income attributable to TDS shareholders$78 $18 N/M$212 $110 93 %
           
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2
$318
 $287
 11 % $629
 $598
 5 %
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2
$310 $274 13 %$938 $872 %
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2
$364
 $337
 8 % $726
 $701
 4 %
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2
$362 $325 11 %$1,087 $1,025 %
Capital expenditures3
$247
 $264
 (7)% $539
 $411
 31 %
Capital expenditures3
$310 $253 23 %$849 $664 28 %
N/M - Percentage change not meaningful
1
1Consists of corporate and other operations and intercompany eliminations.
2Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
3Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.
Consists of corporate and other operations and intercompany eliminations.
2
Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
3
Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.
Refer to individual segment discussions in this MD&A for additional details on operating revenues and expenses at the segment level.

45



Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities represents TDS’ share of net income from entities in which it has a noncontrolling interest and that are accounted for using the equity method. TDS’ investment in the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership (LA Partnership) contributed pretax income of $20 million and $19 million for both the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively and $42$63 million and $40$60 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. See Note 8 — Investments in Unconsolidated Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Income tax expense
The effective tax rate on Income before income taxes for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019, was 9.6%5.8% and 28.8%39.1%, respectively. The effective tax rate on Income before income taxes for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019, was 6.9%6.5% and 31.3%32.8%, respectively. The lower effective tax rate in 2020 as compared to 2019 is due primarily to the income tax benefits of the CARES Act enacted on March 27, 2020.
The CARES Act provides retroactive eligibility of bonus depreciation on qualified improvement property put into service after December 31, 2017 and a 5-year carryback of net operating losses generated in years 2018-2020. As the statutory federal tax rate applicable to certain years within the carryback period is 35%, carryback to those years provides a tax benefit in excess of the current federal statutory rate of 21%, resulting in a reduction of income tax expense. TDS projects that the income tax effects of the CARES Act will result in a reduction of income tax expense recognized throughout the 2020 tax year as part of the estimated annual effective tax rate, and a cash refund in 2021 of taxes paid in prior years.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)  
UScellular noncontrolling public shareholders’$15 $$39 $20 
Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’ 3 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax$15 $$42 $22 

 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2020 2019 2020 2019
(Dollars in millions)       
U.S. Cellular noncontrolling public shareholders’$12
 $6
 $24
 $16
Noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’1
 
 2
 1
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax$13
 $6
 $26
 $17
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax includes the noncontrolling public shareholders’ share of U.S. Cellular’sUScellular’s net income, the noncontrolling shareholders’ or partners’ share of certain U.S. CellularUScellular subsidiaries’ net income and other TDS noncontrolling interests.
Earnings
(Dollars in millions)
chart-ffed5e7951995675967.jpg

tds-20200930_g3.jpg




Three and Nine Months Ended
Net income increased due primarily to lower operating expenses and the impact of the CARES Act reducing income tax expense. Adjusted EBITDA increased due primarily to lower operating expenses.
Six Months Ended
Net income increased due primarily to the impact of the CARES Act reducing income tax expense. Adjusted EBITDA increased due primarily to lower Cost of equipment and products.



*Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.

5
6



uscellulara08.jpgtds-20200930_g4.jpg
U.S. CELLULARUScellular OPERATIONS
Business Overview
U.S. CellularUScellular owns, operates, and invests in wireless markets throughout the United States. U.S. CellularUScellular is an 82%-owned subsidiary of TDS. U.S. Cellular’sUScellular’s strategy is to attract and retain wireless customers through a value proposition comprised of a high-quality network, outstanding customer service, and competitive devices, plans, and pricing, all provided with a community focus. 
COVID-19 considerations
COVID-19 impacts on U.S. Cellular'sUScellular's business for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 include a reduction in certain components of service revenues and equipment sales, a reduction in sales promotion costs and a reduction in handset subscriber gross additions and defections. The impacts of COVID-19 on this and future periods are expected to negatively affect U.S. Cellular’sUScellular’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position. The extent and duration of these impacts are uncertain due to many factors and could be material. Certain impacts on and actions by U.S. CellularUScellular related to COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, the following:
Taking action to keep associates safe, including implementing a work-from-home strategy for employees whose jobs can be performed remotely. In addition, to keep associates, customers, and communities safe, UScellular temporarily closes retail stores for enhanced cleanings, continues to operate with reduced store hours, and provides associates with personal protective equipment to be worn during customer interactions. UScellular has also implemented a daily health check process for associates and requires social distancing and mask wearing in all company facilities, including stores. Throughout this period of change, UScellular has continued serving its customers and ensuring its wireless network remains fully operational.
Participation in the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge, through June 30, 2020, to not turn-off service or charge late fees due to a customer’s inability to pay their bill due to circumstances related to COVID-19. This resulted in a reduction in non-pay defections, as well as reduced service revenues, for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. During the third quarter of 2020, certain accounts that were part of the Pledge were terminated due to non-payment. Many of the remaining accounts that were on the Pledge are on payment arrangements of varying durations, and UScellular expects additional terminations due to non-payment in future periods.
Waiving overage charges and certain other charges. This resulted in reduced service revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.
Supporting the communities in which UScellular operates. Through UScellular’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs, UScellular has contributed to the Boys & Girls Clubs’ COVID-19 Relief Fund to support children, families and communities. These funds are dispersed directly to more than 50 clubs in UScellular’s service regions to support the most immediate needs of youth in areas of importance such as providing food for children who rely on their Boys & Girls Clubs for their dinner, care for children of essential workers and first responders, and digital learning resources. In addition to monetary donations, in-person volunteerism has been replaced by virtual volunteerism, with associates participating in events such as reading for the visually impaired and mentoring for students.
Recognizing income tax benefits associated with the enactment of the CARES Act. This legislation resulted in a reduction to income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and is projected to result in a reduction of income tax expense recognized for the remainder of 2020 as part of the estimated annual effective tax rate, and a cash refund in 2021 of taxes paid in prior years.
Monitoring its supply chain to assess impacts to availability and costs of device inventory and network equipment and services, including monitoring the dependency on third parties to continue network related projects. At this time, UScellular expects to be able to meet customer demand for devices and services and to be able to continue its 4G LTE network modernization and 5G deployment with no significant disruptions.
Tracking increased customer usage. At this time, UScellular believes its network capacity is sufficient to accommodate expected increased usage.
Monitoring roaming behaviors. Both inbound and outbound roaming traffic have been dampened by COVID-19 as wireless customers are reducing travel. The extent to which roaming traffic will be impacted by the pandemic in the future will depend upon governmental mandates and customer behavior in response to the outbreak.
7

Taking action to keep associates safe, including implementing a work-from-home strategy for employees whose jobs can be performed remotely. In addition, to keep associates, customers, and communities safe, U.S. Cellular temporarily closes retail stores for enhanced cleanings, continues to operate with reduced store hours, and provides associates with personal protective equipment to be worn during customer interactions. U.S. Cellular has also implemented a daily health check process for associates and requires social distancing and mask wearing in all company facilities, including stores. Throughout this period of change, U.S. Cellular has continued serving its customers and ensuring its wireless network remains fully operational.
Participated in the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge, through June 30, 2020, to not turn-off service or charge late fees due to a customer’s inability to pay their bill due to circumstances related to COVID-19. This resulted in a reduction in non-pay defections, as well as reduced service revenues, for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Non-pay defections are expected to increase in future periods as the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge ended on June 30, 2020 and certain accounts that were part of the Pledge are expected to terminate due to non-payment.
Waiving overage charges and certain other charges. This resulted in reduced service revenues during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.
Supporting the communities in which U.S. Cellular operates. Through U.S. Cellular’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs, U.S. Cellular has contributed to the Boys & Girls Clubs’ COVID-19 Relief Fund to support children, families and communities. These funds are dispersed directly to more than 50 clubs in U.S. Cellular’s service regions to support the most immediate needs of youth in areas of importance such as providing food for children who rely on their Boys & Girls Clubs for their dinner, care for children of essential workers and first responders, and digital learning resources. In additional to monetary donations, in-person volunteerism has been replaced by virtual volunteerism, with associates participating in events such as reading for the visually impaired and mentoring for students.
Recognizing income tax benefits associated with the enactment of the CARES Act. This legislation resulted in a reduction to income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020. The CARES Act is also projected to result in a reduction of income tax expense recognized throughout the 2020 tax year as part of the estimated annual effective tax rate, and a cash refund in 2021 of taxes paid in prior years.
Monitoring its supply chain to assess impacts to availability and costs of device inventory and network equipment and services, including monitoring the dependency on third parties to continue network related projects. Various states' stay-at-home orders could cause delays in municipal permitting and other contractor work. At this time, U.S. Cellular expects to be able to meet customer demand for devices and services and to be able to continue its 4G LTE network modernization and 5G deployment with no significant disruptions.
Tracking increased customer usage and the impact of the removal of data caps. At this time, U.S. Cellular believes its network capacity is sufficient to accommodate expected increased usage.
Monitoring roaming behaviors. Both inbound and outbound roaming traffic have been dampened by COVID-19 as wireless customers are reducing travel. The extent to which roaming traffic will be impacted by the pandemic in the future will depend upon governmental mandates and customer behavior in response to the outbreak.

6



OPERATIONS

a10kusmoperating2020q1ca03.jpgtds-20200930_g5.jpg

Serves customers with 5.0 million connections including 4.4 million postpaid, 0.5 million prepaid and 0.1 million reseller and other connections
Operates in 21 states
Employs approximately 5,300 associates
4,246 owned towers
6,758 cell sites in service
Serves customers with 4.9 million connections including 4.4 million postpaid, 0.5 million prepaid and 0.1 million reseller and other connections
Operates in 21 states
Employs approximately 5,400 associates
4,208 owned towers
6,673 cell sites in service

8
7


Operational Overview
chart-dcac60af60d75cf0a82.jpgtds-20200930_g6.jpg
   
   
As of June 30, 2020 2019
As of September 30,As of September 30,20202019
Retail Connections – End of PeriodRetail Connections – End of Period Retail Connections – End of Period
Postpaid 4,372,000
 4,414,000 Postpaid4,401,000 4,395,000
Prepaid 496,000
 500,000 Prepaid506,000 510,000
Total 4,868,000
 4,914,000 Total4,907,000 4,905,000
      
   
Q2 2020 Q2 2019 Q2 2020 vs. Q2 2019 YTD 2020 YTD 2019YTD 2020 vs. YTD 2019Q3 2020Q3 2019Q3 2020 vs. Q3 2019YTD 2020YTD 2019YTD 2020 vs. YTD 2019
Postpaid Activity and ChurnPostpaid Activity and Churn Postpaid Activity and Churn
Gross Additions         Gross Additions
Handsets85,000
 102,000
 (17)% 175,000
 203,000
(14)%Handsets102,000 124,000 (18)%277,000 328,000 (16)%
Connected Devices44,000
 35,000
 26 % 86,000
 70,000
23 %Connected Devices66,000 39,000 69 %152,000 108,000 41 %
Total Gross Additions129,000
 137,000
 (6)% 261,000
 273,000
(4)%Total Gross Additions168,000 163,000 %429,000 436,000 (2)%
Net Additions (Losses)         Net Additions (Losses)
Handsets3,000
 (11,000) N/M
 (17,000) (25,000)32 %Handsets (2,000)N/M(17,000)(26,000)35 %
Connected Devices9,000
 (15,000) N/M
 3,000
 (33,000)N/M
Connected Devices28,000 (17,000)N/M32,000 (51,000)N/M
Total Net Additions (Losses)12,000
 (26,000) N/M
 (14,000) (58,000)76 %Total Net Additions (Losses)28,000 (19,000)N/M15,000 (77,000)N/M
Churn         Churn
Handsets0.71% 0.97%   0.83% 0.98% Handsets0.88 %1.09 %0.85 %1.02 %
Connected Devices2.24% 3.01%   2.67% 3.05% Connected Devices2.35 %3.44 %2.56 %3.17 %
Total Churn0.89% 1.23%   1.05% 1.24% Total Churn1.06 %1.38 %1.05 %1.29 %
N/M - Percentage change not meaningful
Total postpaid handset net additions increased for the three and nine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, when compared to the same period last year. Handset defections decreased as a result of lower consumer switching activity related to COVID-19, as well as a reduction in non-pay defections related to the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge.defections. Partially offsetting the decrease in defections were lower gross additions resulting from lower consumer switching activity.
Total postpaid handset net additions increased for the six months ended June 30, 2020, when compared to the same period last year. Handset defections decreased as a result of lower consumer switching activity related to COVID-19, as well as a reduction in non-pay defections related to the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge. Partially offsetting the decrease in defections were lower gross additions resulting from aggressive industry-wide competition in the first quarter of 2020 and lower consumer switching activity in the second quarter of 2020.
Total postpaid connected device net additions increased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, when compared to the same period last year. The increase is due to (i) a decrease in tablet defections and (ii) an increase in gross additions due to increased demand for internet related products given a need for remote connectivity related to COVID-19.
Non-pay defections are expected to increaseCOVID-19 and (ii) a decrease in future periods as the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge ended on June 30, 2020 and certain accounts that were part of the Pledge are expected to terminate due to non-payment.

tablet defections.
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9


Postpaid Revenue
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 202020192020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)$47.10 $46.16  %$46.84 $45.82  %
Average Revenue Per Account (ARPA)$123.27 $119.87  %$122.28 $119.39  %

 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019 2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019
Average Revenue Per User (ARPU)$46.24
 $45.90
 1% $46.72
 $45.66
 2%
Average Revenue Per Account (ARPA)$120.70
 $119.46
 1% $121.80
 $119.15
 2%
Postpaid ARPU and Postpaid ARPA increased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, when compared to the same period last year, due primarily to (i) an increase in device protection plan revenues, (ii) an increase in regulatory recovery revenues, and (iii) having proportionately fewer tablet connections, which on a per-unit basis contribute less revenue than smartphoneother connected devices (ii)and smartphones. In addition, an increase in regulatory recovery revenues,average connections per account for the three and (iii) annine months ended September 30, 2020, when compared to the same periods last year, contributed to the increase in device protection plan revenues.Postpaid ARPA. These increases were partially offset by the impact of waiving overage charges a measure U.S. Cellular has takenand late payment and related fees, measures UScellular took to assist customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

10
9


Financial Overview - U.S. CellularUScellular
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019 2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)           (Dollars in millions)   
Retail service$658
 $662
 (1)% $1,329
 $1,322
 1 %Retail service$674 $663 %$2,004 $1,984 %
Inbound roaming41
 44
 (8)% 77
 78
 
Inbound roaming42 54 (23)%119 132 (10)%
Other54
 51
 7 % 109
 98
 10 %Other59 57 %167 156 %
Service revenues753
 757
 (1)% 1,515
 1,498
 1 %Service revenues775 774 2,290 2,272 %
Equipment sales220
 216
 2 % 422
 441
 (4)%Equipment sales252 257 (2)%674 698 (3)%
Total operating revenues973
 973
 
 1,937
 1,939
 
Total operating revenues1,027 1,031 2,964 2,970 
           
System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)197
 193
 2 % 377
 369
 2 %System operations (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)203 199 %580 568 %
Cost of equipment sold218
 224
 (3)% 435
 458
 (5)%Cost of equipment sold257 266 (4)%692 724 (4)%
Selling, general and administrative323
 344
 (6)% 659
 669
 (2)%Selling, general and administrative335 358 (6)%994 1,027 (3)%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion178
 177
 1 % 354
 345
 3 %Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 181 (11)%516 524 (2)%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net4
 5
 (19)% 8
 7
 7 %(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6 15 %14 13 10 %
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
 
 N/M
 
 (2) N/M
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net — N/M (1)N/M
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
 
 N/M
 
 (2) N/M
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net N/M — N/M
Total operating expenses920
 943
 (2)% 1,833
 1,844
 (1)%Total operating expenses962 1,011 (5)%2,796 2,855 (2)%
           
Operating income$53
 $30
 74 % $104
 $95
 9 %Operating income$65 $20 N/M$168 $115 46 %
           
Net income$69
 $32
 N/M
 $141
 $90
 56 %Net income$85 $24 N/M$227 $115 98 %
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1
$235
 $212
 11 % $466
 $443
 5 %
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1
$232 $208 12 %$698 $651 %
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1
$280
 $257
 9 % $560
 $537
 4 %
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1
$282 $256 10 %$841 $793 %
Capital expenditures2
$168
 $195
 (14)% $405
 $297
 36 %
Capital expenditures2
$216 $170 27 %$621 $467 33 %
N/M - Percentage change not meaningful
1Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
2Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.
11

1
Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
2
Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.


10


Operating Revenues
Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019
(Dollars in millions)
chart-f4dc029444e357b2b94.jpgtds-20200930_g7.jpg
Operating Revenues
SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019
(Dollars in millions)
chart-8d32cc05d30b28a5541.jpgtds-20200930_g8.jpg
Service revenues consist of:
Retail Service - Charges for voice, data and value-added services and recovery of regulatory costs
Inbound Roaming - Charges to other wireless carriers whose customers use UScellular’s wireless systems when roaming
Other Service - Amounts received from the Federal USF, tower rental revenues, and miscellaneous other service revenues
Equipment revenues consist of:
Sales of wireless devices and related accessories to new and existing customers, agents, and third-party distributors
Retail Service - Charges for voice, data and value-added services and recovery of regulatory costs
Inbound Roaming - Charges to other wireless carriers whose customers use U.S. Cellular’s wireless systems when roaming
Other Service - Amounts received from the Federal USF, tower rental revenues, and miscellaneous other service revenues
Equipment revenues consist of:
Sales of wireless devices and related accessories to new and existing customers, agents, and third-party distributors
Key components of changes in the statement of operations line items were as follows:
Total operating revenues
Retail service revenues decreasedincreased for the three and nine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, primarily as a result of a decline in the average number of subscribers compared to the second quarter of 2019, partially offset by thean increase in Postpaid ARPU as previously discussed in the Operational Overview section. Retail service revenues increased for the six months ended June 30, 2020, primarily as a result of the increase in Postpaid ARPU,section, partially offset by a decline in the average number of postpaid subscribers.
Inbound roaming revenues decreased for the three and six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, primarily driven by lower data revenues resulting from lower rates. Inbound roaming revenues decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, primarily driven by lower data revenues, with lower rates partially offset by higher usage. UScellular expects inbound roaming revenues to continue to decline as a result of a decrease in rates, and the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile.
Other service revenues increased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, largely due to an increaseresulting from increases in tower rental revenues and miscellaneous other service revenues.
Equipment sales revenues increased for the three months ended June 30, 2020, due primarily to an increase in device sales volumes. This was partially offset by lower average revenue per device and a decrease in accessory sales. Equipment sales revenues decreased for the sixthree and nine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due primarily to lower average revenue per device and a decrease in new smartphone and accessory sales, partially offset by an increase in device sales volumes.used smartphone sales.
System operations expenses
System operations expenses increased for the three and six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due to increasesan increase in roaming expense as a result of higher data roaming usage, partially offset by lower data rates, and an increase in cell site rent expense. System operations expenses increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 due to increased cell site rent expense, non-capitalizable costs to add network capacity and costs to decommission network assets. Such factors wereassets, partially offset by a decrease in roaming expense as a result of lower data rates, partially offset by higher data roaming usage.

11
12


Cost of equipment sold
Cost of equipment sold decreased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due primarily to (i) lower average cost per device, (ii) a shift in mix from new device sales to used device sales, (iii) a decrease in new smartphone and accessory sales, and (iv) a decrease in charges recorded to reduce inventory to its net realizable value. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in volume of devices sold.used smartphone sales.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, driven primarily by decreasesa decrease in bad debts expense, advertising expense and employee related expense.
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion increaseddecreased for the sixthree months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due to certain billing system assets reaching their end of life and lower accelerated depreciation of certain assets due to changes in network technology, which will continue throughouttechnology. Depreciation, amortization, and accretion decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and beyond.

due to certain billing system assets reaching their end of life, partially offset by accelerated depreciation of certain assets due to changes in network technology.
12
13


tdsa09.jpgtds-20200930_g9.jpg
TDS TELECOM OPERATIONS
Business Overview
TDS Telecom provides a wide range of communications services to residential and commercial customers. TDS Telecom operates in two segments: Wireline, which includes fiber deployments into new markets, and Cable.
On December 31, 2019, TDS acquired substantially all of the assets of MI Connection Communications System, dba Continuum. Continuum is a cable company that passes approximately 40,000 service addresses in North Carolina and offers complementary broadband, video and voice services, which complement the TDS Telecom portfolio of products.services.
COVID-19 considerations
COVID-19 impacts on TDS Telecom's business for the six months ended June 30, 2020 include a reduction in service revenues and reduced churn. The future impacts of COVID-19 are uncertain due to many factors and could be material to TDS Telecom's results of operations, cash flows and financial position. Certain impacts on and actions by TDS Telecom related to COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, the following:
Taking action to keep employees safe, including implementing a work-from-home policy for employees whose jobs can be performed remotely. In addition, to keep employees, customers, and communities safe, TDS Telecom closed certain retail stores and temporarily ceased door-to-door selling. Retail stores that remain open have implemented social distancing and enhanced cleaning measures. In addition, TDS Telecom has expanded safety protocols for front line workers, including thesuch as field service technicians and direct salesforce employees as they returned to door-to-door selling in the second quarter. Throughout this period of change, TDS Telecom has continued serving its customers and ensuring its network remains fully operational.
Participation in the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge, through June 30, 2020, to not turn-off service or charge late fees due to a customer's inability to pay their bill due to circumstances related to COVID-19. TDS Telecom is complying with certain states that have extended no-disconnect orders past the expiration of the FCC Pledge. These actions have not had a significant year-to-date financial impact.
Supporting the communities in which TDS Telecom operates. TDS Telecom has donated to food pantries that serve its regional areas. Food banks across the country are seeing huge increases in demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic andpandemic. TDS Telecom is also helping thoseother organizations that are serving those in need.
Participated in the FCC Keep Americans Connected Pledge, through June 30, 2020, to not turn-off service or charge late fees due to a customer's inability to pay their bill due to circumstances related to COVID-19. This resulted in reduced service revenues in the six months ended June 30, 2020. In addition, TDS Telecom is complying with certain states that have extended no-disconnect orders past the expirationneeds of the FCC Pledge. These actions may resultcommunities in negative impacts to TDS Telecom's future financial results.which it operates.
OfferedOffering 60 days of free broadband service to new customers who are low-income and/or families with children or college age students. This could increase both revenues and bad debts expense in the future after the 60-daystudents through April 2020, with free service period expiresservices ending in June 2020, depending on the intent of customers taking the free service.2020. A total of 2,700 customers signed up for the free service. Early indications suggestservice during the promotion and the majority of customers are prioritizing their services and making arrangements to stay connected.have remained customers.
Recognizing income tax benefits associated with the enactment of the CARES Act. This legislation resulted in a reduction to income tax expense for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020. The CARES Act2020 and is also projected to result in a reduction of income tax expense recognized throughoutfor the remainder of 2020 tax year as part of the estimated annual effective tax rate, and a cash refund of taxes paid in prior years.
Tracking increased customer demand for broadband and voice services. The demand may fluctuate depending on the severity and duration of the pandemic. At this time, TDS Telecom's network capacity has been sufficient for increased usage.
IncreasingDoor-to-door sales activities in out-of-territory markets were initially impacted by the pandemic leading to a broadened approach that uses increasing online sales and marketing activities as door-to-door sales activity in new out-of-territory markets has been considerably impacted.activities. A significant reduction in pre-sales activity could result in a slowing of construction activity.
Monitoring its supply chain to assess impacts to availability of network equipment. At this time, TDS Telecom expects to be able to meet customer demand for on-premise equipment, and to maintain its expected investment levels in fiber and other broadband deployments.
Monitoring the dependency on third parties to continue work on out-of-territory market construction. Various state municipal and vendor restrictions related to COVID-19 could cause delays in municipal permitting, power company aerial make-ready work,pole access, and other contractor work that could slow down construction plans.

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14


OPERATIONS

a10qtelecomholdings2020q2a02.jpgtds-20200930_g10.jpg

Serves 1.2 million connections in 32 states.
Employs approximately 2,900 employees.
Serves 1.2 million connections in 32 states.
Employs approximately 2,900 employees.
Wireline operates incumbent local exchange carriers (ILEC), competitive local exchange carriers (CLEC) and out-of-territory builds in 27 states.
Cable operates primarily in Colorado, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and Utah.

1415


Financial Overview — TDS Telecom
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019 2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019 202020192020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)           (Dollars in millions)    
Operating revenues           Operating revenues      
Wireline$169
 $172
 (2)% $339
 $343
 (1)%Wireline$173 $169 %$512 $512 
Cable71
 62
 16 % 142
 121
 17 %Cable74 62 19 %216 184 18 %
TDS Telecom operating revenues1
241
 233
 3 % 481
 464
 4 %
TDS Telecom operating revenues1
247 231 %728 695 %
Operating expenses           Operating expenses
Wireline143
 145
 (2)% 289
 282
 3 %Wireline150 153 (2)%439 435 %
Cable67
 59
 13 % 133
 117
 14 %Cable69 59 17 %202 175 15 %
TDS Telecom operating expenses1
210
 204
 3 % 422
 398
 6 %
TDS Telecom operating expenses1
219 212 %641 609 %
           
TDS Telecom operating income$31
 $29
 6 % $59
 $66
 (10)%TDS Telecom operating income$28 $20 44 %$87 $86 %
           
Net income$28
 $25
 10 % $56
 $56
 
Net income$25 $18 37 %$81 $74 %
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2
$82
 $78
 5 % $162
 $159
 2 %
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)2
$78 $69 12 %$240 $228 %
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2
$83
 $82
 2 % $165
 $165
 
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)2
$78 $73 %$243 $238 %
Capital expenditures3
$75
 $70
 7 % $128
 $112
 15 %
Capital expenditures3
$92 $81 14 %$221 $193 14 %
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
1Includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
2Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
3Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.
1
Includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
2
Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
3
Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.
Operating Revenues
(Dollars in millions)
chart-75024addca49539a817.jpgtds-20200930_g11.jpg




Total operating revenues
Operating revenues increased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due primarily to the acquisition of Continuum, Wireline and Cable broadband growth and Wireline video growth which were partially offset by declines in Wireline residential voice and CLEC commercial revenues.




Total operating expenses
Operating expenses increased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due primarily to expenses related to the addition of Continuum, higher employee expenses and increased plant maintenance and building expenses, as well as a gain on the sale of assets in the first quarter of 2019.

16
15


tdsa09.jpgtds-20200930_g9.jpg
WIRELINE OPERATIONS
Business Overview
TDS Telecom’s Wireline business provides broadband, video and voice services. These services are provided to residential, commercial, and wholesale customers in a mix of rural, small town and suburban markets, with the largest concentration of its customers in the Upper Midwest and the Southeast. TDS Telecom’s residential strategy is to focus on broadband bundled with video and voice services. In its commercial business, TDS Telecom’s focus is on small- to medium-sized businesses and its sales efforts emphasize providing broadband with voice and video collaboration services.
Operational Overview
Residential Connections
As of JuneSeptember 30,
chart-166e3837ae2c511e986.jpgtds-20200930_g12.jpg

Total residential connections grew 2%3% as growth in broadband and video connections grew 6%8% and 9%, respectively, which was partially offset by thea 2% decline in voice connections of 3%. This does include 1,100 connections related to the 60-day free service period and lower voice and broadband disconnects related to the FCC Pledge. Non-pay defections are expected to increase in future periods as the FCC Pledge ended on June 30, 2020, and certain accounts that were part of the Pledge are expected to terminate due to non-payment.connections.
Residential Broadband Connections by Speeds1
As of JuneSeptember 30,
chart-757c827f72f75b29a93.jpgtds-20200930_g13.jpg

Residential broadband customers are increasingly choosing higher speeds in ILECWireline markets with 70%73% choosing speeds of 10 Mbps or greater and 32%38% choosing speeds of 100 Mbps or greater.
1Includes ILEC and out-of-territory

1617


Residential Revenue per Connection

chart-52542bcd23925c7eadc.jpgtds-20200930_g14.jpg





Residential revenue per connection increased 5% and 4% for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively, due to video and broadband connection growth as well as an increase in broadband speeds and price increases.
Commercial Connections
As of JuneSeptember 30,
chart-89c37a13e9a05b939da.jpgtds-20200930_g15.jpg
Total commercial connections decreased by 9%8% due primarily to declines in connections in CLEC markets.


1718


Financial Overview — Wireline
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019 2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)           (Dollars in millions)      
Residential$85
 $81
 6 % $170
 $162
 5 %Residential$90 $83 %$260 $245 %
Commercial38
 42
 (10)% 77
 86
 (10)%Commercial38 41 (8)%115 127 (9)%
Wholesale46
 49
 (6)% 91
 94
 (3)%Wholesale45 45 %136 139 (2)%
Service revenues169
 172
 (2)% 338
 342
 (1)%Service revenues173 169 %511 512 
Equipment and product sales
 
 (48)% 
 1
 (45)%Equipment and product sales — %1 (30)%
Total operating revenues169
 172
 (2)% 339
 343
 (1)%Total operating revenues173 169 %512 512 
           
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)63
 64
 (3)% 128
 127
 1 %Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)69 68 %197 195 %
Cost of equipment and products
 
 (10)% 
 1
 (33)%Cost of equipment and products — (25)%1 (30)%
Selling, general and administrative48
 49
 (2)% 97
 96
 1 %Selling, general and administrative51 52 (3)%148 148 (1)%
Depreciation, amortization and accretion32
 33
 (3)% 64
 66
 (4)%Depreciation, amortization and accretion30 33 (8)%94 99 (5)%
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
 (1) N/M
 
 (8) N/M
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net — (70)% (8)N/M
Total operating expenses143
 145
 (2)% 289
 282
 3 %Total operating expenses150 153 (2)%439 435 %
           
Operating income$27
 $27
 (1)% $50
 $61
 (18)%Operating income$23 $16 42 %$73 $78 (6)%


 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes$28
 $30
 (7)% $55
 $68
 (20)%Income before income taxes$24 $20 23 %$79 $88 (10)%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1
$58
 $59
 (1)% $114
 $119
 (5)%
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1
$53 $49 %$167 $168 (1)%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1
$59
 $62
 (4)% $116
 $125
 (7)%
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1
$53 $52 %$169 $177 (4)%
Capital expenditures2
$58
 $55
 6 % $97
 $84
 15 %
Capital expenditures2
$74 $61 22 %$171 $145 18 %
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
N/M - Percentage change not meaningful
1Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
2Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

19

1
Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
2
Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.


18


Operating Revenues
(Dollars in millions)

chart-9568af226fba5ac89e1.jpg

tds-20200930_g16.jpg



Residential revenues consist of:
Broadband services, including fiber- and copper-based high-speed internet, security and support services
Video services, including IPTV and satellite offerings
Voice services
Broadband services, including fiber- and copper-based high-speed internet, security and support services
Video services, including IPTV and satellite offerings
Voice services

Commercial revenues consist of:
High-speed and dedicated business internet services
Voice services
High-speed and dedicated business internet services
Voice and video services

Wholesale revenues consist of:
Network access services primarily to interexchange and wireless carriers for carrying data and voice traffic on TDS Telecom’s network
Federal and state USF support, including A-CAM
Network access services primarily to interexchange and wireless carriers for carrying data and voice traffic on TDS Telecom’s network
Federal and state USF support, including A-CAM

Key components of changes in the statement of operations items were as follows:
Total operating revenues
Residential revenues increased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due primarily to growth in broadband and video connections, as well as price increases, partially offset by a decline in voice connections.
Commercial revenues decreased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due primarily to declining connections in CLEC markets.
Wholesale revenues remained relatively flat for the three months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to the timing of certain state USF support partially offset by decreased access revenues. Wholesale revenues decreased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due primarily to decreased access revenues. Inrevenues, partially offset by the second quartertiming of 2019, an additional $1 million of retroactive A-CAM support payments were received.certain state USF support.
Cost of services
Cost of services decreasedincreased for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2020, due primarily to lower employee-related expenses and the capitalization of new modems, partially offset by increases in storm damage repair costs and higher video programming costs. Cost of services increased for the six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due primarily to increases in storm damage repairbuilding and maintenance costs and higher video programming costs, partially offset by a decrease in expenses related to the capitalization of new modems. See depreciation, amortizationmodems and accretion section below for more details related to the capitalization of modems.
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased for the three months ended June 30, 2020, due primarily to lower employee-related expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased for the six months ended June 30, 2020, due primarily to increased advertising costs in the out-of-territory markets, partially offset by decreases in legal costs.
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Depreciation, amortization and accretion decreased for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, due primarily to certain assets becoming fully depreciated, partially offset by depreciation on new fiber assets.
Effective January 1, 2020, the cost of most modems, along with associated installation costs, is being capitalized. These costs, which are estimated to be $14 million
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased for the full year ofthree and nine months ended September 30, 2020, were previously expensed as a cost of service.due primarily to lower legal and consulting costs, partially offset by increases in advertising costs in the out-of-territory markets.

Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Depreciation, amortization and accretion decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, due primarily to certain assets becoming fully depreciated and extended useful lives assumptions, partially offset by depreciation on new fiber assets.
19



(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
Gain on asset disposals decreased for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due to the sale of fiber assets in certain CLEC markets during the first quarter of 2019.

20



tdsa09.jpgbendbroadbanda08.jpgtds-20200930_g9.jpgtds-20200930_g17.jpg
CABLE OPERATIONS
Business Overview
TDS Telecom’s Cable strategy is to expand its broadband services and leverage that growth by bundling with video and voice services. TDS Telecom seeks to be the leading provider of broadband services in its targeted markets by leveraging its core competencies in marketing and network management and customer focus.management.
Operational Overview
Cable Connections
As of JuneSeptember 30,
chart-2ddc6474e6b35e7ba34.jpgtds-20200930_g18.jpg






Cable connections grew 12% due to an increase in broadband connections and the acquisition of Continuum, which included 15,800 broadband connections, 9,400 video connections and 5,800 voice connections as of December 31, 2019. The total includes 1,600 connections related to the 60-day free service period and lower voice and broadband disconnects related to the FCC Pledge.

21



Financial Overview — Cable
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019 2020 2019 2020 vs. 2019 202020192020 vs. 2019202020192020 vs. 2019
(Dollars in millions)           (Dollars in millions)      
Residential$60
 $51
 19% $119
 $100
 19 %Residential$62 $52 21 %$182 $152 20 %
Commercial11
 11
 3% 23
 21
 7 %Commercial12 10 13 %34 32 %
Total operating revenues71
 62
 16% 142
 121
 17 %Total operating revenues74 62 19 %216 184 18 %


 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)30
 27
 12% 60
 52
 14 %Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)31 27 15 %91 79 15 %
Selling, general and administrative17
 15
 14% 34
 30
 15 %Selling, general and administrative18 15 23 %52 44 18 %
Depreciation, amortization and accretion20
 17
 15% 39
 34
 15 %Depreciation, amortization and accretion20 17 15 %59 51 15 %
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
 
 6% 
 1
 (62)%(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net — N/M1 (14)%
Total operating expenses67
 59
 13% 133
 117
 14 %Total operating expenses69 59 17 %202 175 15 %


 

 

 

 

 

Operating income$4
 $2
 78% $9
 $5
 90 %Operating income$5 $55 %$14 $76 %


 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes$4
 $3
 54% $10
 $6
 70 %Income before income taxes$5 $36 %$15 $56 %
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1
$24
 $20
 23% $49
 $39
 23 %
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)1
$25 $20 22 %$73 $60 23 %
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1
$24
 $20
 20% $49
 $40
 21 %
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)1
$25 $21 20 %$74 $61 21 %
Capital expenditures2
$17
 $15
 9% $31
 $28
 12 %
Capital expenditures2
$18 $20 (8)%$49 $48 %
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
N/M - Percentage change not meaningful.
1Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
2Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.
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1
Refer to Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures within this MD&A for a reconciliation of this measure.
2
Refer to Liquidity and Capital Resources within this MD&A for additional information on Capital expenditures.

22




Operating Revenues
(Dollars in millions)

chart-ef1e95ec2c885beca2a.jpg

tds-20200930_g19.jpg





Residential and Commercial revenues consist of:
Broadband services, including high-speed internet, security and support services
Video services, including traditional cable programming and related services as well as CloudTV
Voice services


Broadband services, including high-speed internet, security and support services
Video services, including premium programming in HD, multi-room and TV Everywhere offerings
Voice services




Key components of changes in the statement of operations items were as follows:
Total operating revenues
Residential and commercial revenues increased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due primarily to the acquisition of Continuum ($56 million and $11$17 million, respectively), as well as growth in broadband connections and price increases.
Cost of services
Cost of services increased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due primarily to the acquisition of Continuum ($3 million and $6$9 million, respectively) and increases in employee-related and programming expense.
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due primarily to the acquisition of Continuum ($1 million for each period)and $2 million, respectively) and increases in employee-related expenses.
Depreciation, amortization and accretion
Depreciation, amortization and accretion increased for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, due primarily to the acquisition of Continuum.Continuum ($3 million and $8 million, respectively).


23



Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
TDS and its subsidiaries operate capital-intensive businesses. Historically, TDS has used internally-generated funds and also has obtained substantial funds from external sources for general corporate purposes. In the past, TDS’ existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its revolving credit and receivables securitization agreements, funds from other financing sources, including term loans and other long-term debt, and cash flows from operating and certain investing and financing activities, including sales of assets or businesses, provided sufficient liquidity and financial flexibility for TDS to meet its normal day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements, to finance the build-out and enhancement of markets and to fund acquisitions. There is no assurance that this will be the case in the future. See Market Risk for additional information regarding maturities of long-term debt.
TDS has incurred negative free cash flow at times in the past and this could occur in the future, and forecasting future cash flow is more challenging with the various risks and uncertainties related to COVID-19. However, TDS believes that existing cash and investment balances, funds available under its revolving credit, term loan and receivables securitization agreements, and expected cash flows from operating and investing activities will provide sufficient liquidity for TDS to meet its normal day-to-day operating needs and debt service requirements for the coming year. TDS will continue to monitor the rapidly changing business and market conditions and plans to take appropriate actions, as necessary, to meet its liquidity needs.
TDS may require substantial additional capital for, among other uses, funding day-to-day operating needs including working capital, acquisitions of providers of cable, wireless or wireline telecommunications services, IT services or other businesses, wireless spectrum license or system acquisitions, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, the repurchase of shares, the payment of dividends, or making additional investments, including new technologies and out-of-territory builds. It may be necessary from time to time to increase the size of the existing revolving credit agreements, to put in place new credit agreements, or to obtain other forms of financing in order to fund potential expenditures. TDS, through U.S. Cellular,UScellular, made payments related to wireless spectrum auctions in 2020 (see Regulatory Matters - Spectrum Auctions). TDS also expects annual capital expenditures in 2020 to be higher than in 2019, due primarily to investments at U.S. CellularUScellular to enhance network speed and capacity and to continue deploying VoLTE and 5G technology in its network, and at TDS Telecom to increase levels of fiber investment. TDS’ liquidity would be adversely affected if, among other things, TDS is unable to obtain financing on acceptable terms, TDS makes significant wireless spectrum license purchases, TDS makes significant business acquisitions, distributions from unconsolidated entities are discontinued or significantly reduced compared to historical levels, or Federal USF and/or other regulatory support payments decline.
TDS’ credit rating currently is sub-investment grade. There can be no assurance that sufficient funds will continue to be available to TDS or its subsidiaries on terms or at prices acceptable to TDS. Insufficient cash flows from operating activities, changes in TDS' credit ratings, defaults of the terms of debt or credit agreements, uncertainty of access to capital, deterioration in the capital markets, reduced regulatory capital at banks which in turn limits their ability to borrow and lend, other changes in the performance of TDS or in market conditions or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which could require TDS to reduce its acquisition, capital expenditure and business development programs, reduce the acquisition of wireless spectrum licenses, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases and/or the payment of dividends. Any of the foregoing developments would have an adverse impact on TDS' businesses, financial condition or results of operations. TDS cannot provide assurance that circumstances that could have a material adverse effect on its liquidity or capital resources will not occur.

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Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash and money market investments. The primary objective of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents investment activities is to preserve principal. Cash held by U.S. CellularUScellular is for use in its operations and acquisition, capital expenditure and business development programs including the purchase of wireless spectrum licenses. TDS does not have direct access to U.S. CellularUScellular cash unless U.S. CellularUScellular pays a dividend on its common stock. U.S. Cellular has no current intention to pay a dividend to its shareholders.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
(Dollars in millions)
chart-85c742487c735dc0b4c.jpgtds-20200930_g20.jpg




At JuneSeptember 30, 2020, TDS' consolidated Cash and cash equivalents totaled $565$1,076 million compared to $465 million at December 31, 2019.

The majority of TDS’ Cash and cash equivalents are held in bank deposit accounts and in money market funds that purchase only debt issued by the U.S. Treasury or U.S. government agencies.



Financing
In March 2020, TDS entered into a new $400 million unsecured revolving credit agreement with certain lenders and other parties and U.S. CellularUScellular entered into a new $300 million unsecured revolving credit agreement with certain lenders and other parties. Amounts under the new revolving credit agreements may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until maturity in March 2025. As a result of the new agreements, TDS' and U.S. Cellular'sUScellular's previous revolving credit agreements due to expire in May 2023 were terminated. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit agreements, except for letters of credit, and TDS’ and U.S. Cellular’sUScellular’s unused borrowing capacity under their revolving credit agreements was $399 million and $298 million, respectively.
In March 2020, TDS and U.S. CellularUScellular amended their senior term loan credit agreements in order to conform the agreements with their revolving credit agreements. There were no significant changes to other key terms of the senior term loan credit agreements. In March 2020, TDS borrowed $50 million under its senior term loan credit agreement. In June 2020, U.S. CellularUScellular amended and restated its senior term loan agreement and increased its borrowing capacity to $300 million. There were no significant changes to other key terms of the U.S. CellularUScellular senior term loan credit agreement. As of September 30, 2020, TDS' and UScellular's unused borrowing capacity was $150 million and $217 million, respectively.
U.S. Cellular,UScellular, through its subsidiaries, also has a receivables securitization agreement to permit securitized borrowings using its equipment installment plan receivables. In April 2020, U.S. CellularUScellular borrowed $125 million under its receivables securitization agreement. The unused capacity under this agreement was $75 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, subject to sufficient collateral to satisfy the asset borrowing base provisions of the agreement. In October 2020, UScellular amended and restated its receivables securitization agreement to increase its total borrowing capacity to $300 million and extend the expiration date of the agreement to December 2022. There were no significant changes to other key terms of the receivables securitization agreement.
TDS and U.S. CellularUScellular believe they were in compliance with all of the financial covenants and requirements set forth in their revolving credit agreements, senior term loan credit agreements and receivables securitization agreement as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020.
In August 2020, UScellular issued $500 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due in 2069 for general corporate purposes.
See Note 9 — Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to TDS' senior term loan, UScellular's receivables securitization agreement and UScellular's 6.25% Senior Notes.
TDS and U.S. CellularUScellular have in place effective shelf registration statements on Form S-3 to issue senior or subordinated debt securities.

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Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures (i.e., additions to property, plant and equipment and system development expenditures; excludes wireless spectrum license additions), which include the effects of accruals and capitalized interest, for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:

Capital Expenditures
(Dollars in millions)
chart-f6f8de82e0675ad38ec.jpgtds-20200930_g21.jpg








U.S. Cellular’sUScellular’s capital expenditures for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019, were $405$621 million and $297$467 million, respectively.
Capital expenditures for the full year 2020 are expected to be between $850 million and $950 million. These expenditures are expected to be used principally for the following purposes:
Enhance and maintain U.S. Cellular's network coverage, including continuing to deploy
Enhance and maintain UScellular's network coverage, including deploying VoLTE technology in certain markets and providing additional speed and capacity to accommodate increased data usage by current customers;
Continue deploying 5G technology in its network; and
Invest in information technology to support existing and new services and products.

Continue deploying 5G technology in its network; and
Invest in information technology to support existing and new services and products.

TDS Telecom’s capital expenditures for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019, were $128$221 million and $112$193 million, respectively.
Capital expenditures for the full year 2020 are expected to be between $300 million and $350 million. These expenditures are expected to be used principally for the following purposes:
Expand fiber deployment inside and outside of current footprint;
Maintain and enhance existing infrastructure including build-out requirements to meet state broadband and A-CAM programs;
Upgrade broadband capacity and speeds;
Support success-based spending for broadband and video growth; and
Deploy TDS TV+, a cloud-based video platform.
Continue to expand fiber deployment inside and outside of current footprint;

Maintain and enhance existing infrastructure including build-out requirements to meet state broadband and A-CAM programs;
Upgrade broadband capacity and speeds;
Support success-based spending for broadband and video growth; and
Deploy TDS TV+, a cloud-based video platform.
TDS intends to finance its capital expenditures for 2020 using primarily Cash flows from operating activities, existing cash balances and, if required, additional debt financing from its receivables securitization agreement, senior term loan credit agreements, revolving credit agreements and/or other forms of financing.
Acquisitions, Divestitures and Exchanges
TDS may be engaged from time to time in negotiations (subject to all applicable regulations) relating to the acquisition, divestiture or exchange of companies, properties, wireless spectrum licenses (including pursuant to FCC auctions) and other possible businesses. In general, TDS may not disclose such transactions until there is a definitive agreement.
In March 2020, the FCC announced by way of public notice that U.S. Cellular was the provisional winning bidder for 237 wireless spectrum licenses in the 37, 39 and 47 GHz bands (Auction 103) for $146 million. U.S. Cellular paid $24 million of this amount in the three months ended March 31, 2020 and substantially all of the remainder in April 2020. In June 2020, the wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 103 were granted by the FCC.

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Variable Interest Entities
TDS consolidates certain “variable interest entities” as defined under GAAP. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these variable interest entities. TDS may elect to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these variable interest entities in future periods in order to fund their operations.

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Common Share Repurchase Programs
During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, TDS repurchased 879,409 Common Shares for $14 million at an average cost per share of $15.53. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, the maximum dollar value of TDS Common Shares that may yet be repurchased under TDS’ program was $185 million. For additional information related to the current TDS repurchase authorization, see Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, U.S. CellularUScellular repurchased 803,836 Common Shares for $23 million at an average cost per share of $29.00. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, the total cumulative amount of U.S. CellularUScellular Common Shares authorized to be repurchased is 4,507,000.
Contractual and Other Obligations
There were no material changes outside the ordinary course of business between December 31, 2019 and JuneSeptember 30, 2020, to the Contractual and Other Obligations disclosed in MD&A included in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.2019, except for the following items. In March 2020, TDS borrowed $50 million under its senior term loan credit agreement. In April 2020, U.S. CellularUScellular borrowed $125 million under its receivables securitization agreement. In August 2020, UScellular issued $500 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due in 2069.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
TDS had no transactions, agreements or other contractual arrangements with unconsolidated entities involving “off-balance sheet arrangements,” as defined by SEC rules, that had or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on its financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

27



Consolidated Cash Flow Analysis
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 as a basis for 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. Cash flows may fluctuate from quarter to quarter and year to year due to seasonality, the timing of acquisitions and divestitures, capital expenditures and other factors. The following discussion summarizes TDS' cash flow activities for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019.
2020 Commentary
TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased $112$622 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $806$1,166 million due to net income of $161$254 million adjusted for non-cash items of $612$871 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $91$118 million, including $43 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $58$77 million. The working capital changes were primarily influenced by tax impacts from the CARES Act and annual employee bonus payments, partially offset by the timing of vendor payments and collections of customer and agent receivables.
Cash flows used for investing activities were $769$1,078 million. Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $610$914 million. Cash payments for wireless spectrum license acquisitions were $144 million.$169 million.
Cash flows provided by financing activities were $75$534 million, due primarily to cash received fromreflecting the U.S. Cellularissuance of $500 million of 6.25% UScellular Senior Notes, $125 million borrowed under the UScellular receivables securitization agreement, and $50 million borrowed under the TDS term loan borrowing,loan. These were partially offset by the repurchase of TDS and U.S. CellularUScellular Common Shares, the payment of dividends, and the payment of dividends.debt issuance costs.
2019 Commentary
TDS’ Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash decreased $86$66 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $592$874 million due to net income of $109$132 million plus non-cash items of $497$726 million and distributions received from unconsolidated entities of $76$100 million, including $33 million in distributions from the LA Partnership. This was offset by changes in working capital items which decreased net cash by $90$84 million. The primarymore significant working capital changes were a reductionincreases in accounts receivables and equipment installment plan receivables, offset by an increase to accrued compensation reflecting annual employee bonus payments and a decline in the amounts due to agents driven by lower sales volume.taxes.
Cash flows used for investing activities were $616$837 million. Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment totaled $393$631 million. Cash payments for wireless spectrum license acquisitions were $255$257 million. These were partially offset by Cash received from divestitures and exchanges of $32 million and cash received from the redemption of short-term Treasury bills of $29 million.
Cash flows used for financing activities were $62$103 million, reflecting the repurchase of $21 million of UScellular Common Shares and ordinary activity such as the payment of dividends and the scheduled repayments of debt.

28



Consolidated Balance Sheet Analysis
The following discussion addresses certain captions in the consolidated balance sheet and changes therein. This discussion is intended to highlight the significant changes and is not intended to fully reconcile the changes. Changes in financial condition during 2020 were as follows:
Income taxes receivable
Income taxes receivable increased $124$190 million primarily reflecting future tax refunds attributable to the expected carryback of 2020 net operating losses, as allowed under the CARES Act which was enacted in March 2020.
Accrued compensation
Accrued compensation decreased $36 million due primarily to employee bonus payments in March 2020.
Deferred income tax liability, net
Deferred income tax liability, net increased $149$217 million due primarily to full deductibility for tax purposes of qualified property placed in service during the current year.

Long-term debt, net
Long-term debt, net increased $654 million due primarily to $500 million of 6.25% UScellular Senior Notes issued in August 2020, $125 million borrowed under UScellular's receivables securitization agreement in April 2020 and $50 million borrowed under TDS' senior term loan credit agreement in March 2020.
29



Supplemental Information Relating to Non-GAAP Financial Measures
TDS sometimes uses information derived from consolidated financial information but not presented in its financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP to evaluate the performance of its business. Specifically, TDS has referred to the following measures in this Form 10-Q Report:
EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted OIBDA
Free cash flow
EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted OIBDA
Free cash flow

Certain of these measures are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Rules. Following are explanations of each of these measures.
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA
EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are defined as net income adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation below. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to Net income 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 below are non-recurring, infrequent or unusual; such items may occur in the future.
Adjusted EBITDA is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. See Note 12 — Business Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Management uses Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA as measurements of profitability, and therefore reconciliations to applicable GAAP income measures are deemed appropriate. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA are useful measures of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, gains and losses, and other items as presented below 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, and 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 following tables reconcile EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted OIBDA to the corresponding GAAP measures, Net income or Income before income taxes and Operating income. Income tax expense is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline and Cable. TDS calculates income tax expense (benefit) for TDS Telecom in total.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
TDS - CONSOLIDATED2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)   
Net income (GAAP)$93 $23 $254 $132 
Add back:
Income tax expense6 15 17 64 
Interest expense43 42 119 128 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion217 237 685 697 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)359 317 1,075 1,021 
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6 15 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net —  (1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net  — 
(Gain) loss on investments(3)— (3)— 
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)362 325 1,087 1,025 
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities48 44 138 129 
Interest and dividend income4 12 24 
Other, net — (1)— 
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)310 274 938 872 
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion217 237 685 697 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6 15 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net —  (1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net  — 
Operating income (GAAP)$87 $29 $238 $171 
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
TDS - CONSOLIDATED2020 2019 2020 2019
(Dollars in millions)       
Net income (GAAP)$78
 $39
 $161
 $109
Add back:

 

 

 

Income tax expense8
 16
 12
 50
Interest expense38
 43
 75
 86
Depreciation, amortization and accretion236
 234
 470
 460
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)360
 332
 718
 705
Add back or deduct:

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net4
 5
 8
 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
 
 
 (2)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
 
 
 (2)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)364
 337
 726
 701
Deduct:

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities44
 41
 90
 85
Interest and dividend income2
 9
 8
 17
Other, net
 
 (1) 1
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)318
 287
 629
 598
Deduct:

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion236
 234
 470
 460
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net4
 5
 8
 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
 
 
 (2)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
 
 
 (2)
Operating income (GAAP)$78
 $48
 $151
 $142

30



Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
UScellular2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Net income (GAAP)$85 $24 $227 $115 
Add back:
Income tax expense4 15 11 55 
Interest expense29 29 76 87 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 181 516 524 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)279 249 830 781 
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6 14 13 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net —  (1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net  — 
(Gain) loss on investments(3)— (3)— 
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)282 256 841 793 
Deduct:
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities48 44 137 128 
Interest and dividend income2 6 14 
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)232 208 698 651 
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 181 516 524 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6 14 13 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net —  (1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net  — 
Operating income (GAAP)$65 $20 $168 $115 
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
U.S. CELLULAR2020 2019 2020 2019
(Dollars in millions)       
Net income (GAAP)$69
 $32
 $141
 $90
Add back:

 

 

 

Income tax expense4
 14
 8
 41
Interest expense25
 29
 49
 58
Depreciation, amortization and accretion178
 177
 354
 345
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)276
 252
 552
 534
Add back or deduct:

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net4
 5
 8
 7
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
 
 
 (2)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
 
 
 (2)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)280
 257
 560
 537
Deduct:    

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities44
 40
 89
 84
Interest and dividend income1
 5
 5
 11
Other, net
 
 
 (1)
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)235
 212
 466
 443
Deduct:

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion178
 177
 354
 345
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net4
 5
 8
 7
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
 
 
 (2)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
 
 
 (2)
Operating income (GAAP)$53
 $30
 $104
 $95

 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
TDS TELECOM2020 2019 2020 2019
(Dollars in millions)       
Net income (GAAP)$28
 $25
 $56
 $56
Add back:    

 

Income tax expense5
 8
 8
 18
Interest expense(1) (1) (2) (1)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion51
 50
 103
 100
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)83
 82
 165
 173
Add back or deduct:

 

 

 

(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
 (1) 
 (8)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)83
 82
 165
 165
Deduct:

 

 

 

Interest and dividend income1
 3
 4
 6
Other, net
 
 (1) 
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)82
 78
 162
 159
Deduct:

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion51
 50
 103
 100
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
 (1) 
 (8)
Operating income (GAAP)$31
 $29
 $59
 $66
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

31



Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
WIRELINE2020 2019 2020 2019
TDS TELECOMTDS TELECOM2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)       (Dollars in millions)  
Income before income taxes (GAAP)$28
 $30
 $55
 $68
Net income (GAAP)Net income (GAAP)$25 $18 $81 $74 
Add back:

 

 

 

Add back:
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense4 13 23 
Interest expense(1) (1) (2) (1)Interest expense(1)(1)(3)(2)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion32
 33
 64
 66
Depreciation, amortization and accretion49 50 152 150 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)59
 62
 116
 133
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)78 72 243 245 
Add back or deduct:    

 

Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
 (1) 
 (8)(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net — 1 (7)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)59
 62
 116
 125
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)78 73 243 238 
Deduct:    

 

Deduct:
Interest and dividend income1
 3
 3
 5
Interest and dividend income1 4 
Other, net
 
 (1) 
Other, net — (1)— 
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)58
 59
 114
 119
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)78 69 240 228 
Deduct:

 

 

 

Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion32
 33
 64
 66
Depreciation, amortization and accretion49 50 152 150 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
 (1) 
 (8)(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net — 1 (7)
Operating income (GAAP)$27
 $27
 $50
 $61
Operating income (GAAP)$28 $20 $87 $86 
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
31

Table of Contents

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
CABLE2020 2019 2020 2019
WIRELINEWIRELINE2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)       (Dollars in millions)  
Income before income taxes (GAAP)$4
 $3
 $10
 $6
Income before income taxes (GAAP)$24 $20 $79 $88 
Add back:

 

 

 

Add back:
Interest expenseInterest expense(1)(1)(3)(2)
Depreciation, amortization and accretion20
 17
 39
 34
Depreciation, amortization and accretion30 33 94 99 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)24
 20
 49
 40
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)53 52 169 185 
Add back or deduct:

 

 

 

Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
 
 
 1
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net —  (8)
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)24
 20
 49
 40
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)53 52 169 177 
Deduct:    

 

Deduct:
Interest and dividend income
 
 1
 1
Interest and dividend income1 4 
Other, netOther, net — (1)— 
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)24
 20
 49
 39
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)53 49 167 168 
Deduct:    

 

Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion20
 17
 39
 34
Depreciation, amortization and accretion30 33 94 99 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
 
 
 1
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net —  (8)
Operating income (GAAP)$4
 $2
 $9
 $5
Operating income (GAAP)$23 $16 $73 $78 
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
CABLE2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Income before income taxes (GAAP)$5 $$15 $
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion20 17 59 51 
EBITDA (Non-GAAP)25 21 73 61 
Add back or deduct:
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net — 1 
Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)25 21 74 61 
Deduct:
Interest and dividend income — 1 
Adjusted OIBDA (Non-GAAP)25 20 73 60 
Deduct:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion20 17 59 51 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net — 1 
Operating income (GAAP)$5 $$14 $
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
32

Table of Contents


Free Cash Flow
The following table presents Free cash flow, which is defined as Cash flows from operating activities less Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment. 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.
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 20202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP)$1,166 $874 
Less: Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment914 631 
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)$252 $243 
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2020 2019
(Dollars in millions)   
Cash flows from operating activities (GAAP)$806
 $592
Less: Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment610
 393
Free cash flow (Non-GAAP)$196
 $199

33



Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
TDS prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. TDS’ significant accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements, Note 2 — Revenue Recognition and Note 11 — Leases in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and TDS’ Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates is discussed in detail in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both of which are included in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information on recent accounting pronouncements.
Regulatory Matters
5G Fund
Issuance of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was approved atOn October 27, 2020, the FCC's Open Meeting on April 23, 2020, seeking comment on a proposalFCC adopted rules creating the 5G Fund for Rural America, which will distribute up to create a new fund for$9 billion over ten years to bring 5G deployment inwireless broadband connectivity to rural areas.America. The proposal includes a 5G fund for rural areas, which wouldFund will be implemented through a two-phase competitive process, using multi-round auctions to award support to the provider willing to serve each area at required performance levels for the lowest amount of support. The proposed funding is $9 billionwinning bidders will be required to be disbursed over ten years. The proposal seeks comments on the timing for the auction, the approach for determining eligible areas,meet certain minimum speed requirements and a transition plan from legacy support to 5G fund support.interim and final deployment milestones. The NPRM proposesorder provides that the 5G fundFund be in lieu of the previously proposed fund (the Phase II Connect America Mobility Fund) for the development of 4G LTE. The order also provides that over time a growing percentage of the legacy support a carrier receives must be used for 5G deployment.
U.S. CellularUScellular cannot predict at this time when the 5G fund auction will occur, if ever, when the phase down period for its existing legacy support from the Federal USF will commence, or whether the 5G fund auction will provide opportunities to U.S. CellularUScellular to offset any loss in existing support.
FCC Rulemaking - Restoring Internet Freedom
In December 2017, the FCC approved rules reversing or revising decisions made in the FCC’s 2015 Open Internet and Title II Order (Restoring Internet Freedom). The 2017 action reversed the FCC’s 2015 decision to reclassify Broadband Internet Access Services as telecommunications services subject to regulation under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. The 2017 action also reversed the FCC’s 2015 restrictions on blocking, throttling and paid prioritization, and modified transparency rules relating to such practices. Several parties filed suit in federal court challenging the 2017 actions. On October 1, 2019, the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an order reaffirming the FCC in most respects, but limiting the FCC's ability to preempt state and local net neutrality laws. On February 19, 2020, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comment on three issues under further consideration by the FCC based on a recent D.C. Circuit decision. On October 27, 2020, the FCC adopted an Order on Remand in response to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit’s remand on the three issues under further consideration by the FCC and found no basis to alter the FCC’s conclusions in the Restoring Internet Freedom Order.
A number of states, including certain states in which TDS operates, have adopted or considered laws intended to reinstate aspects of the foregoing net neutrality regulations that were reversed or revised by the FCC in 2017. To the extent such laws are enacted, it is expected that legal proceedings will be pursued challenging such laws, subject now to the DC Circuit ruling limiting the FCC's preemptive authority in this matter. TDS cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings or the impact on its business.
Spectrum Auctions
On July 11, 2019, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 37, 39 and 47 GHz bands (Auction 103). On March 12, 2020, the FCC announced by public notice that U.S. CellularUScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 237 wireless spectrum licenses for a purchase price of $146 million. In June 2020, the wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 103 were granted by the FCC.
On March 2, 2020, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.5 GHz band (Auction 105). On May 5,September 2, 2020, U.S. Cellularthe FCC announced by public notice that UScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 243 wireless spectrum licenses for a purchase price of $14 million. The wireless spectrum licenses are expected to be granted by the FCC in the fourth quarter of 2020.
On August 7, 2020, the FCC released a Public Notice establishing procedures for an auction offering wireless spectrum licenses in the 3.7-3.98 GHz bands (Auction 107). UScellular filed an application to participate in Auction 105 and107 on July 1, 2020, the FCC announced that U.S. Cellular was a qualified bidder for the auction.September 21, 2020. Bidding commencedin Auction 107 is scheduled to begin on July 23, 2020.December 8, 2020.
Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
On January 30, 2020, the FCC adopted the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Report and Order, which establishes the framework for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (Auction 904). Auction 904 is a two phase reverse auction to provide funding for high speed fixed broadband service in underserved rural areas. Phase I is scheduled to begin on October 29, 2020. On July 15, 2020, U.S. CellularUScellular filed an application to participate in Auction 904.Phase I began on October 29, 2020.

34



Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement

This Form 10-Q, including exhibits, contains statements that are not based on historical facts and represent forward-looking statements, as this term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that TDS intends, expects, projects, believes, estimates, plans or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words “believes,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects” and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying them. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be significantly different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, those set forth below, as more fully described under “Risk Factors” in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in this Form 10-Q. Each of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations. However, such factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained in this document. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. TDS undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You should carefully consider the Risk Factors in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, the following factors and other information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this Form 10-Q to understand the material risks relating to TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TDS' business is uncertain, but depending on its duration and severity it could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.
Intense competition in the markets in which TDS operates could adversely affect TDS’ revenues or increase its costs to compete.
A failure by TDS to successfully execute its business strategy (including planned acquisitions, spectrum acquisitions, fiber builds, divestitures and exchanges) or allocate resources or capital effectively could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Uncertainty in TDS’ future cash flow and liquidity or the inability to access capital, deterioration in the capital markets, other changes in TDS’ performance or market conditions, changes in TDS’ credit ratings or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which could require TDS to reduce its construction, development or acquisition programs, reduce the amount of wireless spectrum licenses acquired, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases and/or the payment of dividends.
TDS has a significant amount of indebtedness which could adversely affect its financial performance and in turn adversely affect its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, comply with terms of debt covenants and incur additional debt.
Changes in roaming practices or other factors could cause TDS’ roaming revenues to decline from current levels, roaming expenses to increase from current levels and/or impact TDS’ ability to service its customers in geographic areas where TDS does not have its own network, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
A failure by TDS to obtain access to adequate radio spectrum to meet current or anticipated future needs and/or to accurately predict future needs for radio spectrum could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
To the extent conducted by the FCC, TDS may participate in FCC auctions for additional spectrum or for funding in certain Universal Service programs in the future directly or indirectly and, during certain periods, will be subject to the FCC’s anti-collusion rules, which could have an adverse effect on TDS.
Failure by TDS to timely or fully comply with any existing applicable legislative and/or regulatory requirements or changes thereto could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
An inability to attract people of outstanding talent throughout all levels of the organization, to develop their potential through education and assignments, and to retain them by keeping them engaged, challenged and properly rewarded could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.
TDS’ assets and revenue are concentrated primarily in the U.S. telecommunications industry. Consequently, its operating results may fluctuate based on factors related primarily to conditions in this industry.
TDS’ smaller scale relative to larger competitors that may have greater financial and other resources than TDS could cause TDS to be unable to compete successfully, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TDS' business is uncertain, but depending on its duration and severity it could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.
Intense competition in the markets in which TDS operates could adversely affect TDS’ revenues or increase its costs to compete.
A failure by TDS to successfully execute its business strategy (including planned acquisitions, spectrum acquisitions, fiber builds, divestitures and exchanges) or allocate resources or capital effectively could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Uncertainty in TDS’ future cash flow and liquidity or the inability to access capital, deterioration in the capital markets, other changes in TDS’ performance or market conditions, changes in TDS’ credit ratings or other factors could limit or restrict the availability of financing on terms and prices acceptable to TDS, which could require TDS to reduce its construction, development or acquisition programs, reduce the amount of wireless spectrum licenses acquired, and/or reduce or cease share repurchases and/or the payment of dividends.
TDS has a significant amount of indebtedness which could adversely affect its financial performance and in turn adversely affect its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, comply with terms of debt covenants and incur additional debt.
Changes in roaming practices or other factors could cause TDS’ roaming revenues to decline from current levels, roaming expenses to increase from current levels and/or impact TDS’ ability to service its customers in geographic areas where TDS does not have its own network, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
A failure by TDS to obtain access to adequate radio spectrum to meet current or anticipated future needs and/or to accurately predict future needs for radio spectrum could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
To the extent conducted by the FCC, TDS may participate in FCC auctions for additional spectrum or for funding in certain Universal Service programs in the future directly or indirectly and, during certain periods, will be subject to the FCC’s anti-collusion rules, which could have an adverse effect on TDS.
Failure by TDS to timely or fully comply with any existing applicable legislative and/or regulatory requirements or changes thereto could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
An inability to attract people of outstanding talent throughout all levels of the organization, to develop their potential through education and assignments, and to retain them by keeping them engaged, challenged and properly rewarded could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.
TDS’ assets and revenue are concentrated primarily in the U.S. telecommunications industry. Consequently, its operating results may fluctuate based on factors related primarily to conditions in this industry.
TDS’ smaller scale relative to larger competitors that may have greater financial and other resources than TDS could cause TDS to be unable to compete successfully, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition or results of operations.

35

Table of Contents


Changes in various business factors, including changes in demand, consumer preferences and perceptions, price competition, churn from customer switching activity and other factors, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Advances or changes in technology could render certain technologies used by TDS obsolete, could put TDS at a competitive disadvantage, could reduce TDS’ revenues or could increase its costs of doing business.
Complexities associated with deploying new technologies present substantial risk and TDS’ investments in unproven technologies may not produce the benefits that TDS expects.
TDS receives regulatory support and is subject to numerous surcharges and fees from federal, state and local governments, and the applicability and the amount of the support and fees are subject to great uncertainty, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Changes in TDS’ enterprise value, changes in the market supply or demand for wireless spectrum licenses, wireline or cable markets or IT service providers, adverse developments in the businesses or the industries in which TDS is involved and/or other factors could require TDS to recognize impairments in the carrying value of its wireless spectrum licenses, goodwill, franchise rights and/or physical assets or require re-evaluation of the indefinite-lived nature of such assets.
Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges of properties or wireless spectrum licenses and/or expansion of TDS’ businesses could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
A failure by TDS to complete significant network construction and systems implementation activities as part of its plans to improve the quality, coverage, capabilities and capacity of its network, support and other systems and infrastructure could have an adverse effect on its operations.
Difficulties involving third parties with which TDS does business, including changes in TDS’ relationships with or financial or operational difficulties of key suppliers or independent agents and third party national retailers who market TDS’ services, could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
TDS has significant investments in entities that it does not control. Losses in the value of such investments could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.
A failure by TDS to maintain flexible and capable telecommunication networks or information technology, or a material disruption thereof, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
TDS has experienced, and in the future expects to experience, cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security of varying degrees on a regular basis, which could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.
Changes in facts or circumstances, including new or additional information, could require TDS to record adjustments to amounts reflected in the financial statements, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Disruption in credit or other financial markets, a deterioration of U.S. or global economic conditions or other events could, among other things, impede TDS’ access to or increase the cost of financing its operating and investment activities and/or result in reduced revenues and lower operating income and cash flows, which would have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Settlements, judgments, restraints on its current or future manner of doing business and/or legal costs resulting from pending and future litigation could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
The possible development of adverse precedent in litigation or conclusions in professional studies to the effect that radio frequency emissions from wireless devices and/or cell sites cause harmful health consequences, including cancer or tumors, or may interfere with various electronic medical devices such as pacemakers, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ wireless business, financial condition or results of operations.
Claims of infringement of intellectual property and proprietary rights of others, primarily involving patent infringement claims, could prevent TDS from using necessary technology to provide products or services or subject TDS to expensive intellectual property litigation or monetary penalties, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Certain matters, such as control by the TDS Voting Trust and provisions in the TDS Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of TDS or have other consequences.
The market price of TDS’ Common Shares is subject to fluctuations due to a variety of factors.
Any of the foregoing events or other events could cause revenues, earnings, capital expenditures and/or any other financial or statistical information to vary from TDS’ forward-looking estimates by a material amount.
Changes in various business factors, including changes in demand, consumer preferences and perceptions, price competition, churn from customer switching activity and other factors, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Advances or changes in technology could render certain technologies used by TDS obsolete, could put TDS at a competitive disadvantage, could reduce TDS’ revenues or could increase its costs of doing business.
Complexities associated with deploying new technologies present substantial risk and TDS’ investments in unproven technologies may not produce the benefits that TDS expects.
TDS receives regulatory support and is subject to numerous surcharges and fees from federal, state and local governments, and the applicability and the amount of the support and fees are subject to great uncertainty, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Changes in TDS’ enterprise value, changes in the market supply or demand for wireless spectrum licenses, wireline or cable markets or IT service providers, adverse developments in the businesses or the industries in which TDS is involved and/or other factors could require TDS to recognize impairments in the carrying value of its wireless spectrum licenses, goodwill, franchise rights and/or physical assets or require re-evaluation of the indefinite-lived nature of such assets.
Costs, integration problems or other factors associated with acquisitions, divestitures or exchanges of properties or wireless spectrum licenses and/or expansion of TDS’ businesses could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
A failure by TDS to complete significant network construction and systems implementation activities as part of its plans to improve the quality, coverage, capabilities and capacity of its network, support and other systems and infrastructure could have an adverse effect on its operations.
Difficulties involving third parties with which TDS does business, including changes in TDS’ relationships with or financial or operational difficulties of key suppliers or independent agents and third party national retailers who market TDS’ services, could adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
TDS has significant investments in entities that it does not control. Losses in the value of such investments could have an adverse effect on TDS’ financial condition or results of operations.
A failure by TDS to maintain flexible and capable telecommunication networks or information technology, or a material disruption thereof, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
TDS has experienced, and in the future expects to experience, cyber-attacks or other breaches of network or information technology security of varying degrees on a regular basis, which could have an adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.
Changes in facts or circumstances, including new or additional information, could require TDS to record adjustments to amounts reflected in the financial statements, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Disruption in credit or other financial markets, a deterioration of U.S. or global economic conditions or other events could, among other things, impede TDS’ access to or increase the cost of financing its operating and investment activities and/or result in reduced revenues and lower operating income and cash flows, which would have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Settlements, judgments, restraints on its current or future manner of doing business and/or legal costs resulting from pending and future litigation could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
The possible development of adverse precedent in litigation or conclusions in professional studies to the effect that radio frequency emissions from wireless devices and/or cell sites cause harmful health consequences, including cancer or tumors, or may interfere with various electronic medical devices such as pacemakers, could have an adverse effect on TDS’ wireless business, financial condition or results of operations.
Claims of infringement of intellectual property and proprietary rights of others, primarily involving patent infringement claims, could prevent TDS from using necessary technology to provide products or services or subject TDS to expensive intellectual property litigation or monetary penalties, which could have an adverse effect on TDS’ business, financial condition or results of operations.
Certain matters, such as control by the TDS Voting Trust and provisions in the TDS Restated Certificate of Incorporation, may serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of TDS or have other consequences.
The market price of TDS’ Common Shares is subject to fluctuations due to a variety of factors.
Any of the foregoing events or other events could cause revenues, earnings, capital expenditures and/or any other financial or statistical information to vary from TDS’ forward-looking estimates by a material amount.

36



Risk Factors
In addition to the information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which could materially affect TDS’ business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this Form 10-Q and the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, may not be the only risks that could affect TDS. Additional unidentified or unrecognized risks and uncertainties could materially adversely affect TDS’ business, financial condition and/or operating results. Subject to the foregoing and other than the risk factor set forth below, TDS has not identified for disclosure any material changes to the risk factors as previously disclosed in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TDS' business is uncertain, but depending on its duration and severity it could have a material adverse effect on TDS' business, financial condition or results of operations.
The impact of the recent global spread of COVID-19 on TDS' future operations is uncertain. Public health emergencies, such as COVID-19, pose the risk that TDS or its associates, agents, partners and suppliers may be unable to conduct business activities for an extended period of time and/or provide the level of service expected. TDS' ability to attract customers, maintain an adequate supply chain and execute on its business strategies and initiatives could be negatively impacted by this outbreak. Additionally, COVID-19 has caused and could continue to cause increased unemployment, economic downturn and credit market deterioration, all of which could negatively impact TDS. The extent of the impact of COVID-19 on TDS' business, financial condition and results of operations will depend on future circumstances, including the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, actions taken by governmental authorities and other possible direct and indirect consequences, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market Risk
Refer to the disclosure under Market Risk in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, for additional information, including information regarding required principal payments and the weighted average interest rates related to TDS’ Long-term debt. There have been no material changes to such information betweensince December 31, 2019 and June 30, 2020. Inexcept the following: in March 2020 TDS borrowed $50 million under its senior term loan credit agreement. Inagreement, in April 2020 U.S. CellularUScellular borrowed $125 million under its receivables securitization agreement.agreement and in August 2020 UScellular issued $500 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due in 2069. Such transactions changed the weighted average interest rate on long-term debt obligations to 6.3% at September 30, 2020 from 6.7% at December 31, 2019.
See Note 3 — Fair Value Measurements in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the fair value of TDS’ Long-term debt as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020.

37



Financial Statements

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Operations
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020 2019 2020 2019 2020201920202019
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)       (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)
Operating revenues       Operating revenues
Service$1,016
 $1,013
 $2,042
 $2,008
Service$1,046 $1,030 $3,088 $3,038 
Equipment and product sales247
 248
 482
 510
Equipment and product sales278 291 761 802 
Total operating revenues1,263
 1,261
 2,524
 2,518
Total operating revenues1,324 1,321 3,849 3,840 
       
Operating expenses       Operating expenses
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)306
 304
 599
 588
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)321 313 919 900 
Cost of equipment and products241
 249
 487
 513
Cost of equipment and products278 295 765 808 
Selling, general and administrative398
 421
 809
 819
Selling, general and administrative415 439 1,227 1,260 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion236
 234
 470
 460
Depreciation, amortization and accretion217 237 685 697 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net4
 5
 8
 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net6 15 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
 
 
 (2)(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net0 0 (1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
 
 
 (2)(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net0 0 
Total operating expenses1,185
 1,213
 2,373
 2,376
Total operating expenses1,237 1,292 3,611 3,669 
       
Operating income78

48

151

142
Operating income87 29 238 171 
       
Investment and other income (expense)       Investment and other income (expense)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities44
 41
 90
 85
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities48 44 138 129 
Interest and dividend income2
 9
 8
 17
Interest and dividend income4 12 24 
Gain (loss) on investmentsGain (loss) on investments3 3 
Interest expense(38) (43) (75) (86)Interest expense(43)(42)(119)(128)
Other, net
 
 (1) 1
Other, net0 (1)
Total investment and other income8

7

22

17
Total investment and other income12 33 25 
       
Income before income taxes86

55

173

159
Income before income taxes99 38 271 196 
Income tax expense8
 16
 12
 50
Income tax expense6 15 17 64 
Net income78

39

161

109
Net income93 23 254 132 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax13
 6
 26
 17
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax15 42 22 
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders$65
 $33
 $135
 $92
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders$78 $18 $212 $110 
       
Basic weighted average shares outstanding114
 114
 115
 114
Basic weighted average shares outstanding114 115 114 114 
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.57
 $0.29
 $1.18
 $0.81
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.68 $0.15 $1.85 $0.96 



 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding115
 116
 115
 116
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding115 116 115 116 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.56
 $0.28
 $1.15
 $0.78
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.66 $0.15 $1.81 $0.93 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

38



Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020 2019 2020 2019 2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)       (Dollars in millions)
Net income$78
 $39
 $161
 $109
Net income$93 $23 $254 $132 
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

 

Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income
Change related to retirement plan

 

 

  Change related to retirement plan
Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost for the period

 

 

 

Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost for the period
Amortization of prior service cost1
 
 2
 
Amortization of prior service cost1 2 
Comprehensive income79
 39
 163
 109
Comprehensive income94 23 256 133 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax13
 6
 26
 17
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax15 42 22 
Comprehensive income attributable to TDS shareholders$66
 $33
 $137
 $92
Comprehensive income attributable to TDS shareholders$79 $18 $214 $111 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

39



Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2020 201920202019
(Dollars in millions)   (Dollars in millions)
Cash flows from operating activities   Cash flows from operating activities
Net income$161
 $109
Net income$254 $132 
Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities   Add (deduct) adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities
Depreciation, amortization and accretion470
 460
Depreciation, amortization and accretion685 697 
Bad debts expense48
 50
Bad debts expense55 80 
Stock-based compensation expense25
 33
Stock-based compensation expense39 47 
Deferred income taxes, net150
 40
Deferred income taxes, net217 23 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities(90) (85)Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities(138)(129)
Distributions from unconsolidated entities91
 76
Distributions from unconsolidated entities118 100 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net8
 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net15 
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net
 (2)(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net0 (1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
 (2)
(Gain) loss on investments(Gain) loss on investments(3)
Other operating activities1
 3
Other operating activities1 
Changes in assets and liabilities from operations   Changes in assets and liabilities from operations
Accounts receivable21
 (2)Accounts receivable26 (42)
Equipment installment plans receivable22
 (11)Equipment installment plans receivable13 (42)
Inventory15
 (4)Inventory2 
Accounts payable49
 (9)Accounts payable95 (4)
Customer deposits and deferred revenues(8) 8
Customer deposits and deferred revenues(21)(2)
Accrued taxes(115) 2
Accrued taxes(156)37 
Accrued interest
 2
Accrued interest14 
Other assets and liabilities(42) (76)Other assets and liabilities(50)(43)
Net cash provided by operating activities806
 592
Net cash provided by operating activities1,166 874 
   
Cash flows from investing activities   Cash flows from investing activities
Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment(610) (393)Cash paid for additions to property, plant and equipment(914)(631)
Cash paid for licenses(144) (255)Cash paid for licenses(169)(257)
Cash received from investments1
 11
Cash received from investments1 29 
Cash paid for investments(1) (11)Cash paid for investments(1)(11)
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges1
 32
Cash received from divestitures and exchanges1 32 
Advance payments for license acquisitions(16) 
Other investing activitiesOther investing activities4 
Net cash used in investing activities(769) (616)Net cash used in investing activities(1,078)(837)
   
Cash flows from financing activities   Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of long-term debt175
 
Issuance of long-term debt675 
Repayment of long-term debt(5) (11)Repayment of long-term debt(8)(16)
TDS Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments(3) (6)TDS Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments(3)(6)
U.S. Cellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments(8) (8)
UScellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax paymentsUScellular Common Shares reissued for benefit plans, net of tax payments(11)(8)
Repurchase of TDS Common Shares(14) 
Repurchase of TDS Common Shares(14)
Repurchase of U.S. Cellular Common Shares(23) 
Repurchase of UScellular Common SharesRepurchase of UScellular Common Shares(23)(21)
Dividends paid to TDS shareholders(39) (38)Dividends paid to TDS shareholders(58)(57)
Payment of debt issuance costs(7) 
Payment of debt issuance costs(23)(1)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests(1) (2)Distributions to noncontrolling interests(2)(3)
Other financing activities
 3
Other financing activities1 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities75
 (62)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities534 (103)
   
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash112
 (86)Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash622 (66)
   
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Beginning of period474
 927
Beginning of period474 927 
End of period$586
 $841
End of period$1,096 $861 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

40



Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheet — Assets
(Unaudited)
June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)   (Dollars in millions)
Current assets   Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents$565
 $465
Cash and cash equivalents$1,076 $465 
Accounts receivable   Accounts receivable
Customers and agents, less allowances of $76 and $74, respectively958
 1,005
Customers and agents, less allowances of $69 and $74, respectivelyCustomers and agents, less allowances of $69 and $74, respectively949 1,005 
Other, less allowances of $2 and $2, respectively106
 119
Other, less allowances of $2 and $2, respectively107 119 
Inventory, net152
 169
Inventory, net164 169 
Prepaid expenses106
 98
Prepaid expenses109 98 
Income taxes receivable160
 36
Income taxes receivable226 36 
Other current assets39
 29
Other current assets39 29 
Total current assets2,086
 1,921
Total current assets2,670 1,921 
   
Assets held for saleAssets held for sale19 
Licenses2,630
 2,480
Licenses2,637 2,480 
   
Goodwill547
 547
Goodwill547 547 
   
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $176 and $167, respectively226
 239
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $183 and $167, respectivelyOther intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $183 and $167, respectively219 239 
   
Investments in unconsolidated entities486
 488
Investments in unconsolidated entities508 488 
   
Property, plant and equipment   Property, plant and equipment
In service and under construction13,160
 12,864
In service and under construction13,375 12,864 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization9,545
 9,337
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization9,648 9,337 
Property, plant and equipment, net3,615
 3,527
Property, plant and equipment, net3,727 3,527 
   
Operating lease right-of-use assets985
 972
Operating lease right-of-use assets988 972 
   
Other assets and deferred charges586
 607
Other assets and deferred charges580 607 
   
Total assets1
$11,161
 $10,781
Total assets1
$11,895 $10,781 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

41

Table of Contents


Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheet — Liabilities and Equity
(Unaudited)
June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)   (Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)  
Current liabilities   Current liabilities  
Current portion of long-term debt$5
 $10
Current portion of long-term debt$3 $10 
Accounts payable349
 374
Accounts payable399 374 
Customer deposits and deferred revenues181
 189
Customer deposits and deferred revenues168 189 
Accrued interest11
 11
Accrued interest24 11 
Accrued taxes41
 41
Accrued taxes63 41 
Accrued compensation85
 121
Accrued compensation107 121 
Short-term operating lease liabilities124
 116
Short-term operating lease liabilities125 116 
Other current liabilities86
 100
Other current liabilities76 100 
Total current liabilities882
 962
Total current liabilities965 962 
   
Deferred liabilities and credits   Deferred liabilities and credits
Deferred income tax liability, net825
 676
Deferred income tax liability, net893 676 
Long-term operating lease liabilities938
 931
Long-term operating lease liabilities938 931 
Other deferred liabilities and credits515
 481
Other deferred liabilities and credits530 481 
   
Long-term debt, net2,487
 2,316
Long-term debt, net2,970 2,316 
   
Commitments and contingencies


 


Commitments and contingencies
   
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features11
 11
Noncontrolling interests with redemption features10 11 
   
Equity   Equity
TDS shareholders’ equity   TDS shareholders’ equity
Series A Common and Common Shares   Series A Common and Common Shares
Authorized 290 shares (25 Series A Common and 265 Common Shares)   Authorized 290 shares (25 Series A Common and 265 Common Shares)
Issued 133 shares (7 Series A Common and 126 Common Shares)   Issued 133 shares (7 Series A Common and 126 Common Shares)
Outstanding 114 shares (7 Series A Common and 107 Common Shares) and 115 shares (7 Series A Common and 108 Common Shares), respectively   Outstanding 114 shares (7 Series A Common and 107 Common Shares) and 115 shares (7 Series A Common and 108 Common Shares), respectively
Par Value ($.01 per share)1
 1
Par Value ($0.01 per share)Par Value ($0.01 per share)1 
Capital in excess of par value2,472
 2,468
Capital in excess of par value2,479 2,468 
Treasury shares, at cost, 19 and 18 Common Shares, respectively(479) (479)Treasury shares, at cost, 19 and 18 Common Shares, respectively(478)(479)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(7) (9)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(7)(9)
Retained earnings2,751
 2,672
Retained earnings2,809 2,672 
Total TDS shareholders' equity4,738
 4,653
Total TDS shareholders' equity4,804 4,653 
   
Noncontrolling interests765
 751
Noncontrolling interests785 751 
   
Total equity5,503
 5,404
Total equity5,589 5,404 
   
Total liabilities and equity1
$11,161
 $10,781
Total liabilities and equity1
$11,895 $10,781 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
1The consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,070 million and $915 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $19 million and $20 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of TDS. See Note 10 — Variable Interest Entities for additional information.
1
The consolidated total assets as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include assets held by consolidated variable interest entities (VIEs) of $1,085 million and $915 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of TDS. The consolidated total liabilities as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $19 million and $20 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of TDS. See Note 10Variable Interest Entities for additional information.

42



Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
 TDS Shareholders  
 
Series A
Common and
Common
shares
Capital in
excess of
par value
Treasury
shares
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Retained
earnings
Total TDS
shareholders'
equity
Noncontrolling
interests
Total equity
(Dollars in millions)        
June 30, 2020$1 $2,472 $(479)$(7)$2,751 $4,738 $765 $5,503 
Cumulative effect of accounting change— — — — — 
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders— — — — 78 78 — 78 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity— — — — — 16 16 
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.170 per share)— — — — (19)(19)— (19)
Dividend reinvestment plan— — (2)— 
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans— — — — 
Stock-based compensation awards— — — — — 
September 30, 2020$1 $2,479 $(478)$(7)$2,809 $4,804 $785 $5,589 
 TDS Shareholders    
 
Series A
Common and
Common
shares
 
Capital in
excess of
par value
 
Treasury
shares
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Retained
earnings
 
Total TDS
shareholders'
equity
 
Noncontrolling
interests
 Total equity
(Dollars in millions)               
March 31, 2020$1
 $2,489
 $(480) $(8) $2,718
 $4,720
 $729
 $5,449
Cumulative effect of accounting change
 
 
 
 (1) (1) 
 (1)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders��
 
 
 
 65
 65
 
 65
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity
 
 
 
 
 
 13
 13
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 1
 
 1
 
 1
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.170 per share)
 
 
 
 (20) (20) 
 (20)
Repurchase of Common Shares
 
 (8) 
 
 (8) 
 (8)
Incentive and compensation plans
 
 9
 
 (11) (2) 
 (2)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans
 (22) 
 
 
 (22) 23
 1
Stock-based compensation awards
 5
 
 
 
 5
 
 5
June 30, 2020$1
 $2,472
 $(479) $(7) $2,751
 $4,738
 $765
 $5,503

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

43

Table of Contents


Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
 TDS Shareholders  
 
Series A
Common and
Common
shares
Capital in
excess of
par value
Treasury
shares
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Retained
earnings
Total TDS
shareholders'
equity
Noncontrolling
interests
Total equity
(Dollars in millions)        
June 30, 2019$1 $2,438 $(488)$(10)$2,684 $4,625 $768 $5,393 
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders— — — — 18 18 — 18 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity— — — — — 
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.165 per share)— — — — (19)(19)— (19)
Dividend reinvestment plan— — — (3)— 
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans— 12 — — — 12 (25)(13)
Stock-based compensation awards— — — — — 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests— — — — — (1)(1)
September 30, 2019$1 $2,456 $(481)$(10)$2,680 $4,646 $747 $5,393 
 TDS Shareholders    
 
Series A
Common and
Common
shares
 
Capital in
excess of
par value
 
Treasury
shares
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Retained
earnings
 
Total TDS
shareholders'
equity
 
Noncontrolling
interests
 Total equity
(Dollars in millions)               
March 31, 2019$1
 $2,442
 $(505) $(10) $2,683
 $4,611
 $746
 $5,357
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
 
 
 
 2
 2
 
 2
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders
 
 
 
 33
 33
 
 33
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity
 
 
 
 
 
 6
 6
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.165 per share)
 
 
 
 (19) (19) 
 (19)
Dividend reinvestment plan
 
 6
 
 (1) 5
 
 5
Incentive and compensation plans
 
 11
 
 (14) (3) 
 (3)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans
 (8) 
 
 
 (8) 17
 9
Stock-based compensation awards
 4
 
 
 
 4
 
 4
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
June 30, 2019$1
 $2,438
 $(488) $(10) $2,684
 $4,625
 $768
 $5,393

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

44

Table of Contents


Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
 TDS Shareholders  
 
Series A
Common and
Common
shares
Capital in
excess of
par value
Treasury
shares
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Retained
earnings
Total TDS
shareholders'
equity
Noncontrolling
interests
Total equity
(Dollars in millions)        
December 31, 2019$1 $2,468 $(479)$(9)$2,672 $4,653 $751 $5,404 
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders— — — — 212 212 — 212 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity— — — — — 43 43 
Other comprehensive income— — — — — 
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.510 per share)— — — — (58)(58)— (58)
Repurchase of Common Shares— — (14)— — (14)— (14)
Dividend reinvestment plan— — (1)— 
Incentive and compensation plans— — 13 — (16)(3)— (3)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans— (4)— — — (4)(7)(11)
Stock-based compensation awards— 14 — — — 14 — 14 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests— — — — — (2)(2)
September 30, 2020$1 $2,479 $(478)$(7)$2,809 $4,804 $785 $5,589 
 TDS Shareholders    
 
Series A
Common and
Common
shares
 
Capital in
excess of
par value
 
Treasury
shares
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Retained
earnings
 
Total TDS
shareholders'
equity
 
Noncontrolling
interests
 Total equity
(Dollars in millions)               
December 31, 2019$1
 $2,468
 $(479) $(9) $2,672
 $4,653
 $751
 $5,404
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
 
 
 
 (1) (1) 
 (1)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders
 
 
 
 135
 135
 
 135
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity
 
 
 
 
 
 26
 26
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 2
 
 2
 
 2
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.340 per share)
 
 
 
 (39) (39) 
 (39)
Repurchase of Common Shares
 
 (14) 
 
 (14) 
 (14)
Dividend reinvestment plan
 
 1
 
 
 1
 
 1
Incentive and compensation plans
 
 13
 
 (16) (3) 
 (3)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans
 (4) 
 
 
 (4) (11) (15)
Stock-based compensation awards
 8
 
 
 
 8
 
 8
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
June 30, 2020$1

$2,472

$(479)
$(7)
$2,751

$4,738

$765

$5,503

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

45

Table of Contents


Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
(Unaudited)
 TDS Shareholders  
 
Series A
Common and
Common
shares
Capital in
excess of
par value
Treasury
shares
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
Retained
earnings
Total TDS
shareholders'
equity
Noncontrolling
interests
Total equity
(Dollars in millions)        
December 31, 2018$1 $2,432 $(519)$(10)$2,656 $4,560 $733 $5,293 
Cumulative effect of accounting changes— — — — — 
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders— — — — 110 110 — 110 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity— — — — — 21 21 
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.495 per share)— — — — (57)(57)— (57)
Dividend reinvestment plan— — 18 — (5)13 — 13 
Incentive and compensation plans— — 20 — (26)(6)— (6)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans— 10 — — — 10 (5)
Stock-based compensation awards— 14 — — — 14 — 14 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests— — — — — (2)(2)
September 30, 2019$1 $2,456 $(481)$(10)$2,680 $4,646 $747 $5,393 
 TDS Shareholders    
 
Series A
Common and
Common
shares
 
Capital in
excess of
par value
 
Treasury
shares
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
Retained
earnings
 
Total TDS
shareholders'
equity
 
Noncontrolling
interests
 Total equity
(Dollars in millions)               
December 31, 2018$1
 $2,432
 $(519) $(10) $2,656
 $4,560
 $733
 $5,293
Cumulative effect of accounting changes
 
 
 
 2
 2
 
 2
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders
 
 
 
 92
 92
 
 92
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests classified as equity
 
 
 
 
 
 17
 17
TDS Common and Series A Common share dividends ($0.330 per share)
 
 
 
 (38) (38) 
 (38)
Dividend reinvestment plan
 
 11
 
 (2) 9
 
 9
Incentive and compensation plans
 
 20
 
 (26) (6) 
 (6)
Adjust investment in subsidiaries for repurchases, issuances and other compensation plans
 (2) 
 
 
 (2) 20
 18
Stock-based compensation awards
 8
 
 
 
 8
 
 8
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 (2) (2)
June 30, 2019$1
 $2,438
 $(488) $(10) $2,684
 $4,625
 $768
 $5,393

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

46



Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1Basis of Presentation
The accounting policies of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). Unless otherwise specified, references to accounting provisions and GAAP in these notes refer to the requirements of the FASB ASC. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TDS and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest, including TDS’ 82%-owned subsidiary, United States Cellular Corporation (U.S. Cellular)(UScellular) and TDS’ wholly-owned subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom). In addition, the consolidated financial statements include certain entities in which TDS has a variable interest that requires consolidation under GAAP. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
TDS’ business segments reflected in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, are U.S. Cellular,UScellular, Wireline, and Cable. TDS’ non-reportable other business activities are presented as “Corporate, Eliminations and Other”, which includes the operations of TDS’ wholly-owned hosted and managed services (HMS) subsidiary, which operates under the OneNeck IT Solutions brand, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Suttle-Straus, Inc. (Suttle-Straus). HMS’ and Suttle-Straus’ financial results were not significant to TDS’ operations. All of TDS’ segments operate only in the United States. See Note 12 — Business Segment Information for summary financial information on each business segment.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by TDS pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, TDS believes that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Certain numbers included herein are rounded to millions for ease of presentation; however, certain calculated amounts and percentages are determined using the unrounded numbers. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in TDS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items, unless otherwise disclosed) necessary for the fair statement of TDS’ financial position as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 and its results of operations, comprehensive income and changes in equity for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, and its cash flows for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019. These results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. TDS has not changed its significant accounting and reporting policies from those disclosed in its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 except as noted below for the estimation of credit losses.
Restricted Cash
TDS presents restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The following table provides a reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet to the total of the amounts in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)   
Cash and cash equivalents$565
 $465
Restricted cash included in Other current assets21
 9
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows$586
 $474

September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Cash and cash equivalents$1,076 $465 
Restricted cash included in Other current assets20 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows$1,096 $474 
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments and subsequently amended the standard with additional Accounting Standards Updates, collectively referred to as ASC 326. This standard requires entities to use a new forward-looking, expected loss model to estimate credit losses and requires additional disclosures relating to the credit quality of trade and other receivables. TDS adopted the provisions of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, using a modified retrospective method. Under this method, TDS applied the new accounting standard only to the most recent period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the accounting change, if any, as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. Accordingly, prior periods have not been recast to reflect the new accounting standard. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of ASC 326 had no material impact on retained earnings.

47



U.S. Cellular’sUScellular’s accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts owed by customers for wireless services and equipment sales, including sales of certain devices and accessories under installment plans, by agents and third-party distributors for sales of equipment to them, by third party vendors and by other wireless carriers whose customers have used U.S. Cellular’sUScellular’s wireless systems.
47


TDS Telecom’s accounts receivable primarily consist of amounts owed by customers for services and products provided, by state and federal governments for grants and support funds, and by interexchange carriers for long-distance and data traffic, which TDS Telecom carries on its network.
TDS estimates expected credit losses related to accounts receivable balances based on a review of available and relevant information including current economic conditions, projected economic conditions, historical loss experience, account aging, and other factors that could affect collectability. Expected credit losses are determined for each pool of accounts receivable balances that share similar risk characteristics. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the best estimate of the amount of expected credit losses related to existing accounts receivable. TDS does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers.
In August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software: Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (ASU 2018-15). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the existing guidance for capitalizing implementation costs for an arrangement that has a software license. The service element of a hosting arrangement will continue to be expensed as incurred. Any capitalized implementation costs will be amortized over the period of the service contract. TDS' hosting arrangements that are service contracts consist primarily of software used to perform administrative functions. TDS adopted ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2020, using the prospective method. The adoption of ASU 2018-15 did not have a significant impact on TDS' financial position or results of operations.
Note 2 Revenue Recognition
Disaggregation of Revenue
In the following table, TDS' revenues are disaggregated by type of service, which represents the relevant categorization of revenues for TDS' reportable segments, and timing of recognition. Service revenues are recognized over time and Equipment and product sales are point in time.
  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$674 $$$$$674 
Inbound roaming42 42 
Residential90 62 152 152 
Commercial38 11 49 49 
Wholesale45 45 45 
Other service39 18 57 
Service revenues from contracts with customers755 172 74 246 18 1,019 
Equipment and product sales252 26 278 
Total revenues from contracts with customers1,007 173 74 246 44 1,297 
Operating lease income20 27 
Total operating revenues$1,027 $173 $74 $247 $50 $1,324 
   TDS Telecom    
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable 
TDS Telecom Total1
 Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total
(Dollars in millions)       
  
  
Revenues from contracts with customers:       
  
  
Type of service:     
  
  
  
Retail service$658
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $658
Inbound roaming41
 
 
 
 
 41
Residential
 85
 60
 145
 
 145
Commercial
 38
 11
 49
 
 49
Wholesale
 45
 
 45
 
 45
Other service35
 
 
 
 17
 52
Service revenues from contracts with customers734
 169
 71
 239
 17
 990
Equipment and product sales220
 
 
 
 27
 247
Total revenues from contracts with customers954
 169
 71
 240
 43
 1,237
Operating lease income19
 1
 
 1
 6
 26
Total operating revenues$973
 $169
 $71
 $241
 $49
 $1,263
48


  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$663 $$$$$663 
Inbound roaming54 54 
Residential83 52 135 135 
Commercial41 10 52 52 
Wholesale44 44 44 
Other service34 19 53 
Service revenues from contracts with customers751 168 62 230 19 1,001 
Equipment and product sales257 34 291 
Total revenues from contracts with customers1,008 168 62 230 53 1,292 
Operating lease income23 29 
Total operating revenues$1,031 $169 $62 $231 $59 $1,321 


  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:      
Retail service$2,004 $$$$$2,004 
Inbound roaming119 119 
Residential260 182 441 441 
Commercial115 33 149 149 
Wholesale135 135 135 
Other service110 51 161 
Service revenues from contracts with customers2,233 510 215 725 51 3,009 
Equipment and product sales674 86 761 
Total revenues from contracts with customers2,907 511 215 726 137 3,770 
Operating lease income57 20 79 
Total operating revenues$2,964 $512 $216 $728 $157 $3,849 
48
49



   TDS Telecom    
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable 
TDS Telecom Total1
 Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total
(Dollars in millions)       
  
  
Revenues from contracts with customers:       
  
  
Type of service:     
  
  
  
Retail service$662
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $662
Inbound roaming44
 
 
 
 
 44
Residential
 81
 51
 131
 
 131
Commercial
 42
 11
 54
 
 54
Wholesale
 48
 
 48
 
 48
Other service35
 
 
 
 16
 51
Service revenues from contracts with customers741
 172
 62
 233
 16
 990
Equipment and product sales216
 
 
 
 32
 248
Total revenues from contracts with customers957
 172
 62
 233
 48
 1,238
Operating lease income16
 
 
 
 7
 23
Total operating revenues$973
 $172
 $62
 $233
 $55
 $1,261
   TDS Telecom    
Six Months Ended June 30, 2020U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable 
TDS Telecom Total1
 Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total
(Dollars in millions)       
  
  
Revenues from contracts with customers:       
  
  
Type of service:     
  
  
  
Retail service$1,329
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $1,329
Inbound roaming77
 
 
 
 
 77
Residential
 170
 119
 289
 
 289
Commercial
 77
 22
 99
 
 99
Wholesale
 91
 
 91
 
 91
Other service71
 
 
 
 35
 106
Service revenues from contracts with customers1,477
 338
 141
 479
 35
 1,990
Equipment and product sales422
 
 
 1
 59
 482
Total revenues from contracts with customers1,899
 338
 142
 479
 94
 2,472
Operating lease income38
 1
 1
 2
 12
 52
Total operating revenues$1,937
 $339
 $142
 $481
 $106
 $2,524

49



 TDS Telecom  
  TDS Telecom    
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable 
TDS Telecom Total1
 Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)       
  
  
(Dollars in millions)      
Revenues from contracts with customers:       
  
  
Revenues from contracts with customers:      
Type of service:     
  
  
  
Type of service:      
Retail service$1,322
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $1,322
Retail service$1,984 $$$$$1,984 
Inbound roaming78
 
 
 
 
 78
Inbound roaming132 132 
Residential
 162
 100
 262
 
 262
Residential245 152 397 397 
Commercial
 86
 21
 107
 
 107
Commercial127 32 159 159 
Wholesale
 94
 
 94
 
 94
Wholesale137 137 137 
Other service66
 
 
 (1) 35
 100
Other service101 (1)54 154 
Service revenues from contracts with customers1,466
 342
 121
 462
 35
 1,963
Service revenues from contracts with customers2,217 510 183 692 54 2,963 
Equipment and product sales441
 1
 
 1
 68
 510
Equipment and product sales698 103 802 
Total revenues from contracts with customers1,907
 342
 121
 463
 103
 2,473
Total revenues from contracts with customers2,915 511 184 693 157 3,765 
Operating lease income32
 
 
 1
 12
 45
Operating lease income55 18 75 
Total operating revenues$1,939
 $343
 $121
 $464
 $115
 $2,518
Total operating revenues$2,970 $512 $184 $695 $175 $3,840 
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
1
1TDS Telecom Total includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
TDS Telecom Total includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
Contract Balances
The following table provides balances for contract assets from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Other current assets and Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers, which are recorded in Customer deposits and deferred revenues and Other deferred liabilities and credits in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions) 
Contract assets$13 $10 
Contract liabilities$189 $197 
 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)   
Contract assets$11
 $10
Contract liabilities$195
 $197


Revenue recognized related to contract liabilities existing at January 1, 2020 was $145$159 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020.

Transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations
The following table includes estimated service revenues expected to be recognized related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. These estimates represent service revenues to be recognized when services are delivered to customers pursuant to service plan contracts and under certain roaming agreements with other carriers. These estimates are based on contracts in place as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and may vary from actual results. As practical expedients, revenue related to contracts of less than one year, generally month-to-month contracts, and contracts with a fixed per-unit price and variable quantity, are excluded from these estimates.
 Service Revenues
(Dollars in millions) 
Remainder of 2020$261
2021217
Thereafter234
Total$712

 Service Revenues
(Dollars in millions) 
Remainder of 2020$194 
2021230 
Thereafter272 
Total$696 


50

Table of Contents


Contract Cost Assets
TDS expects that commission fees paid as a result of obtaining contracts are recoverable and, therefore, TDS defers and amortizes these costs. As a practical expedient, costs with an amortization period of one year or less are expensed as incurred. TDS also incurs fulfillment costs, such as installation costs, where there is an expectation that a future benefit will be realized. Deferred commission fees and fulfillment costs are amortized based on the timing of transfer of the goods or services to which the assets relate, typically the contract term. Contract cost asset balances, which are recorded in Other assets and deferred charges in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, were as follows:
 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)   
Costs to obtain contracts 
  
Sales commissions$137
 $146
Fulfillment costs   
Installation costs10
 11
Other costs1
 
Total contract cost assets$148
 $157

 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions) 
Costs to obtain contracts 
Sales commissions$137 $146 
Fulfillment costs
Installation costs11 11 
Total contract cost assets$148 $157 
Amortization of contract cost assets was $30 million and $61$91 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively, and $32$31 million and $64$95 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively, and was included in Selling, general and administrative expenses and Cost of services expenses.
Note 3 Fair Value Measurements
As of JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, TDS did not have any material financial or nonfinancial assets or liabilities that were required to be recorded at fair value in its Consolidated Balance Sheet in accordance with GAAP.
The provisions of GAAP establish a fair value hierarchy that contains three levels for inputs used in fair value measurements. Level 1 inputs include quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted market prices for identical assets and liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3 inputs are unobservable. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is not representative of its expected performance or its overall risk profile and, therefore, Level 3 assets are not necessarily higher risk than Level 2 assets or Level 1 assets.
TDS has applied the provisions of fair value accounting for purposes of computing the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes as displayed below.
 Level within the Fair Value Hierarchy June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
 Book Value Fair Value Book Value Fair Value
(Dollars in millions)         
Cash and cash equivalents1 $565
 $565
 $465
 $465
Long-term debt         
Retail2 1,753
 1,732
 1,753
 1,796
Institutional2 535
 630
 534
 594
Other2 259
 258
 84
 84

 Level within the Fair Value HierarchySeptember 30, 2020December 31, 2019
 Book ValueFair ValueBook ValueFair Value
(Dollars in millions)     
Cash and cash equivalents1$1,076 $1,076 $465 $465 
Long-term debt
Retail22,253 2,334 1,753 1,796 
Institutional2535 709 534 594 
Other2259 259 84 84 
The fair values of Cash and cash equivalents and Short-term investments approximate their book values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Long-term debt excludes lease obligations, other installment arrangements, the current portion of Long-term debt and debt financing costs. The fair value of “Retail” Long-term debt was estimated using market prices for TDS’ 7.0% Senior Notes, 6.875% Senior Notes, 6.625% Senior Notes and 5.875% Senior Notes, and U.S. Cellular’sUScellular’s 7.25% 2063 Senior Notes, 7.25% 2064 Senior Notes, 6.25% Senior Notes issued in August 2020 and 6.95% Senior Notes. TDS’ “Institutional” debt consists of U.S. Cellular’sUScellular’s 6.7% Senior Notes which are traded over the counter. TDS’ “Other” debt consists of senior term loan credit agreements, receivables securitization agreement and other borrowings with financial institutions. TDS estimated the fair value of its Institutional and Other debt through a discounted cash flow analysis using the interest rates or estimated yield to maturity for each borrowing, which ranged from 1.77%1.25% to 6.63%4.50% and 3.55% to 6.25% at JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

51



Note 4 Equipment Installment Plans
U.S. CellularUScellular sells devices to customers under equipment installment plans over a specified time period. For certain equipment installment plans, after a specified period of time or amount of payments, the customer may have the right to upgrade to a new device and have the remaining unpaid equipment installment contract balance waived, subject to certain conditions, including trading in the original device in good working condition and signing a new equipment installment contract.
The following table summarizes equipment installment plan receivables as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)   
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross$948
 $1,008
Allowance for credit losses(82) (84)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net$866
 $924
    
Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:   
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)$562
 $587
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)304
 337
Equipment installment plan receivables, net$866
 $924

 September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Equipment installment plan receivables, gross$951 $1,008 
Allowance for credit losses(75)(84)
Equipment installment plan receivables, net$876 $924 
Net balance presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as:
Accounts receivable — Customers and agents (Current portion)$568 $587 
Other assets and deferred charges (Non-current portion)308 337 
Equipment installment plan receivables, net$876 $924 
U.S. CellularUScellular uses various inputs, including internal data, information from credit bureaus and other sources, to evaluate the credit profiles of its customers. From this evaluation, a credit class is assigned to the customer that determines the number of eligible lines, the amount of credit available, and the down payment requirement, if any. These credit classes are grouped into four credit categories: lowest risk, lower risk, slight risk and higher risk. A customer's assigned credit class is reviewed periodically and a change is made, if appropriate. An equipment installment plan billed amount is considered past due if not paid within 30 days. The balance and aging of the equipment installment plan receivables on a gross basis by credit category were as follows:
September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
Lowest RiskLower RiskSlight RiskHigher RiskTotalLowest RiskLower RiskSlight RiskHigher RiskTotal
(Dollars in millions)
Unbilled$767 $95 $22 $10 $894 $812 $99 $23 $$942 
Billed — current34 4 1 1 40 37 45 
Billed — past due8 5 2 2 17 11 21 
Total$809 $104 $25 $13 $951 $860 $110 $28 $10 $1,008 
 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
 Lowest Risk Lower Risk Slight Risk Higher Risk Total Lowest Risk Lower Risk Slight Risk Higher Risk Total
(Dollars in millions)                   
Unbilled$764
 $94
 $22
 $10
 $890
 $812
 $99
 $23
 $8
 $942
Billed — current36
 4
 1
 1
 42
 37
 5
 2
 1
 45
Billed — past due9
 4
 2
 1
 16
 11
 6
 3
 1
 21
Total$809
 $102
 $25
 $12
 $948
 $860
 $110
 $28
 $10
 $1,008
The balance of the equipment installment plan receivables as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020 on a gross basis by year of origination were as follows:
 2017 2018 2019 2020 Total
(Dollars in millions)         
Lowest Risk$2
 $139
 $408
 $260
 $809
Lower Risk
 11
 51
 40
 102
Slight Risk
 2
 12
 11
 25
Higher Risk
 1
 5
 6
 12
Total$2
 $153
 $476
 $317
 $948

2017201820192020Total
(Dollars in millions)
Lowest Risk$$84 $337 $387 $809 
Lower Risk39 58 104 
Slight Risk14 25 
Higher Risk13 
Total$$93 $389 $468 $951 
Activity for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, in the allowance for credit losses for equipment installment plan receivables was as follows:
 June 30, 2020 June 30, 2019
(Dollars in millions)   
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period$84
 $77
Bad debts expense33
 38
Write-offs, net of recoveries(35) (35)
Allowance for credit losses, end of period$82
 $80


 September 30, 2020September 30, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Allowance for credit losses, beginning of period$84 $77 
Bad debts expense34 60 
Write-offs, net of recoveries(43)(55)
Allowance for credit losses, end of period$75 $82 
52



Note 5 Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on Income before income taxes was 9.6%5.8% and 6.9%6.5% for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively, and 28.8%39.1% and 31.3%32.8%, for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019, respectively. The lower effective tax rate in 2020 as compared to 2019 is due primarily to the income tax benefits of the CARES Act enacted on March 27, 2020.
The CARES Act provides retroactive eligibility of bonus depreciation on qualified improvement property put into service after December 31, 2017 and a 5-year carryback of net operating losses generated in years 2018-2020. As the statutory federal tax rate applicable to certain years within the carryback period is 35%, carryback to those years provides a tax benefit in excess of the current federal statutory rate of 21%, resulting in a reduction of income tax expense.
Note 6 Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to TDS shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders is computed by dividing Net income attributable to TDS shareholders by the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the period adjusted to include the effects of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities primarily include incremental shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and the vesting of performance and restricted stock units.
The amounts used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders were as follows:
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2020 2019 2020 2019
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts) 
  
  
  
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders used in basic earnings per share$65
 $33
 $135
 $92
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:       
Noncontrolling interest adjustment
 (1) (2) (1)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders used in diluted earnings per share$65
 $32
 $133
 $91
        
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share:       
Common Shares107
 107
 108
 107
Series A Common Shares7
 7
 7
 7
Total114
 114
 115
 114
   ��    
Effects of dilutive securities1
 2
 
 2
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share115
 116
 115
 116
        
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.57
 $0.29
 $1.18
 $0.81
        
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.56
 $0.28
 $1.15
 $0.78

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
(Dollars and shares in millions, except per share amounts)   
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders used in basic earnings per share$78 $18 $212 $110 
Adjustments to compute diluted earnings:
Noncontrolling interest adjustment(2)(1)(3)(2)
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders used in diluted earnings per share$76 $17 $209 $108 
Weighted average number of shares used in basic earnings per share:
Common Shares107 108 107 107 
Series A Common Shares7 7 
Total114 115 114 114 
Effects of dilutive securities1 1 
Weighted average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share115 116 115 116 
Basic earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.68 $0.15 $1.85 $0.96 
Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders$0.66 $0.15 $1.81 $0.93 
Certain Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of performance and restricted stock units were not included in weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the calculation of Diluted earnings per share attributable to TDS shareholders because their effects were antidilutive. The number of such Common Shares excluded was 5 million and 4 million for both the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively,and 3 million and less than 1 million for both the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2019.2019, respectively.

53



Note 7 Intangible Assets
Activity related to Licenses for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, is presented below:
 Licenses
(Dollars in millions) 
Balance at December 31, 2019$2,480
Acquisitions147
Capitalized interest3
Balance at June 30, 2020$2,630

Licenses
(Dollars in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2019$2,480 
Acquisitions171 
Transferred to Assets held for sale(18)
Capitalized interest
Balance at September 30, 2020$2,637 
In March 2020, the FCC announced by way of public notice that U.S. CellularUScellular was the provisional winning bidder for 237 wireless spectrum licenses in the 37, 39 and 47 GHz bands (Auction 103) for $146 million. U.S. Cellular paid $24 million of this amount in the three months ended March 31, 2020 and substantially all of the remainder in April 2020. In June 2020, the wireless spectrum licenses from Auction 103 were granted by the FCC.
Note 8 Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of amounts invested in entities in which TDS holds a noncontrolling interest. TDS’ Investments in unconsolidated entities are accounted for using either the equity method or measurement alternative method as shown in the table below. The carrying value of measurement alternative method investments represents cost minus any impairments plus or minus any observable price changes.
 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions) 
  
Equity method investments$464
 $467
Measurement alternative method investments22
 21
Total investments in unconsolidated entities$486
 $488

September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Equity method investments$487 $467 
Measurement alternative method investments21 21 
Total investments in unconsolidated entities$508 $488 
The following table, which is based on unaudited information provided in part by third parties, summarizes the combined results of operations of TDS’ equity method investments.
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
 2020 2019 2020 2019
(Dollars in millions) 
  
    
Revenues$1,586
 $1,660
 $3,249
 $3,356
Operating expenses1,098
 1,192
 2,265
 2,413
Operating income488
 468
 984
 943
Other income (expense), net(2) 3
 1
 (3)
Net income$486
 $471
 $985
 $940

 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2020201920202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Revenues$1,640 $1,721 $4,889 $5,077 
Operating expenses1,142 1,247 3,407 3,660 
Operating income498 474 1,482 1,417 
Other income (expense), net(3)(2)(2)(4)
Net income$495 $472 $1,480 $1,413 

54



Note 9 Debt
Term Loan
In March 2020, TDS borrowed $50 million on its senior term loan credit agreement. This agreement was entered into in January 2020 and amended in March 2020. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings is at a rate of LIBOR plus 200 basis points. Principal reductions are due and payable in quarterly installments of $0.5 million beginning in June 2021. The remaining unpaid balance will be due and payable in January 2027. TDS believes that it was in compliance with all of the financial covenants and other requirements set forth in its senior term loan credit agreement as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020.
Receivables Securitization Agreement
In April 2020, U.S. CellularUScellular borrowed $125 million under its receivables securitization agreement, which permits securitized borrowings using its equipment installment plan receivables. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings isbear interest at a ratefloating rates. In October 2020, UScellular amended and restated its receivables securitization agreement to increase its total borrowing capacity to $300 million and extend the expiration date of either LIBOR or applicable cost of funds plus 95 basis points. Absent an extensionthe agreement to December 2022. There were no significant changes to other key terms of the receivables securitization agreement, it will terminate in December 2021, at which time any outstanding borrowings will be repaid over a time period based on the collection of equipment installment plan receivables. U.S. Cellularagreement. UScellular believes that it was in compliance with all of the financial covenants and other requirements set forth in its receivables securitization agreement as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, the USCC Master Note Trust held $239$222 million of assets available to be pledged as collateral for the receivables securitization agreement.
Other Long-Term Debt
In August 2020, UScellular issued $500 million of 6.25% Senior Notes due in 2069, and received cash proceeds of $483 million after payment of debt issuance costs of $17 million. These funds will be used for general corporate purposes. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable quarterly beginning in December 2020. UScellular may redeem the Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time after September 2025 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.
Note 10 Variable Interest Entities
Consolidated VIEs
TDS consolidates VIEs in which it has a controlling financial interest as defined by GAAP and is therefore deemed the primary beneficiary. TDS reviews the criteria for a controlling financial interest at the time it enters into agreements and subsequently when events warranting reconsideration occur. These VIEs have risks similar to those described in the “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q and TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
During 2017, U.S. CellularUScellular formed USCC EIP LLC (Seller/Sub-Servicer), USCC Receivables Funding LLC (Transferor) and the USCC Master Note Trust (Trust), collectively the special purpose entities (SPEs), to facilitate a securitized borrowing using its equipment installment plan receivables. Under a Receivables Sale Agreement, U.S. CellularUScellular wholly-owned, majority-owned and unconsolidated entities, collectively referred to as “affiliated entities”, transfer device equipment installment plan contracts to the Seller/Sub-Servicer. The Seller/Sub-Servicer aggregates device equipment installment plan contracts, and performs servicing, collection and all other administrative activities related to accounting for the equipment installment plan contracts. The Seller/Sub-Servicer sells the eligible equipment installment plan receivables to the Transferor, a bankruptcy remote entity, which subsequently sells the receivables to the Trust. The Trust, which is bankruptcy remote and isolated from the creditors of U.S. Cellular,UScellular, will be responsible for issuing asset-backed variable funding notes (Notes), which are collateralized by the equipment installment plan receivables owned by the Trust. Given that U.S. CellularUScellular has the power to direct the activities of these SPEs, and that these SPEs lack sufficient equity to finance their activities, U.S. CellularUScellular is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in the SPEs and, therefore, consolidates them. All transactions with third parties (e.g., issuance of the asset-backed variable funding notes) will be accounted for as a secured borrowing due to the pledging of equipment installment plan contracts as collateral, significant continuing involvement in the transferred assets, subordinated interests of the cash flows, and continued evidence of control of the receivables.
The following VIEs were formed to participate in FCC auctions of wireless spectrum licenses and to fund, establish, and provide wireless service with respect to any FCC wireless spectrum licenses won in the auctions:
Advantage Spectrum, L.P. (Advantage Spectrum) and Sunshine Spectrum, Inc., the general partner of Advantage Spectrum; and
King Street Wireless, L.P. (King Street Wireless) and King Street Wireless, Inc., the general partner of King Street Wireless.
Advantage Spectrum, L.P. (Advantage Spectrum) and Sunshine Spectrum, Inc., the general partner of Advantage Spectrum; and
King Street Wireless, L.P. (King Street Wireless) and King Street Wireless, Inc., the general partner of King Street Wireless.
These particular VIEs are collectively referred to as designated entities. The power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these VIEs is shared. Specifically, the general partner of these VIEs has the exclusive right to manage, operate and control the limited partnerships and make all decisions to carry on the business of the partnerships. The general partner of each partnership needs the consent of the limited partner, an indirect TDS subsidiary, to sell or lease certain wireless spectrum licenses, to make certain large expenditures, admit other partners or liquidate the limited partnerships. Although the power to direct the activities of these VIEs is shared, TDS has the most significant level of exposure to the variability associated with the economic performance of the VIEs, indicating that TDS is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. Therefore, in accordance with GAAP, these VIEs are consolidated.
55

TDS also consolidates other VIEs that are limited partnerships that provide wireless service. A limited partnership is a variable interest entity unless the limited partners hold substantive participating rights or kick-out rights over the general partner. For certain limited partnerships, U.S. CellularUScellular is the general partner and manages the operations. In these partnerships, the limited partners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights and, further, such limited partners do not have the authority to remove the general partner. Therefore, these limited partnerships also are recognized as VIEs and are consolidated under the variable interest model.

55



The following table presents the classification and balances of the consolidated VIEs’ assets and liabilities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 June 30, 2020 December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)   
Assets   
Cash and cash equivalents$18
 $19
Accounts receivable608
 637
Inventory, net3
 5
Other current assets19
 7
Licenses647
 647
Property, plant and equipment, net98
 95
Operating lease right-of-use assets42
 42
Other assets and deferred charges311
 347
Total assets$1,746
 $1,799
    
Liabilities   
Current liabilities$28
 $30
Long-term operating lease liabilities38
 39
Other deferred liabilities and credits13
 13
Total liabilities$79
 $82

September 30, 2020December 31, 2019
(Dollars in millions)  
Assets  
Cash and cash equivalents$19 $19 
Accounts receivable618 637 
Inventory, net3 
Other current assets18 
Assets held for sale18 
Licenses637 647 
Property, plant and equipment, net108 95 
Operating lease right-of-use assets42 42 
Other assets and deferred charges317 347 
Total assets$1,780 $1,799 
Liabilities
Current liabilities$26 $30 
Long-term operating lease liabilities38 39 
Other deferred liabilities and credits20 13 
Total liabilities$84 $82 
Unconsolidated VIEs
TDS manages the operations of and holds a variable interest in certain other limited partnerships, but is not the primary beneficiary of these entities and, therefore, does not consolidate them under the variable interest model.
TDS’ total investment in these unconsolidated entities was $5 million at both JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and is included in Investments in unconsolidated entities in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. The maximum exposure from unconsolidated VIEs is limited to the investment held by TDS in those entities.
Other Related Matters
TDS made contributions, loans or advances to its VIEs totaling $88$113 million and $208$229 million, during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, of which $67$79 million in 2020 and $184$199 million in 2019, are related to USCC EIP LLC as discussed above. TDS may agree to make additional capital contributions and/or advances to these or other VIEs and/or to their general partners to provide additional funding for operations or the development of wireless spectrum licenses granted in various auctions. TDS may finance such amounts with a combination of cash on hand, borrowings under its revolving credit or receivables securitization agreements and/or other long-term debt. There is no assurance that TDS will be able to obtain additional financing on commercially reasonable terms or at all to provide such financial support.
The limited partnership agreement of Advantage Spectrum also provides the general partner with a put option whereby the general partner may require the limited partner, a subsidiary of U.S. Cellular,UScellular, to purchase its interest in the limited partnership. The general partner’s put option related to its interest in Advantage Spectrum will be exercisable in 2021, and if not exercised at that time, will be exercisable in 2022. The greater of the carrying value of the general partner's investment or the value of the put option, net of any borrowings due to TDS, is recorded as Noncontrolling interests with redemption features in TDS’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. Also in accordance with GAAP, minority share of income or changes in the redemption value of the put option, net of interest accrued on the loans, are recorded as a component of Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax, in TDS’ Consolidated Statement of Operations.

56



Note 11 Noncontrolling Interests
The following schedule discloses the effects of Net income attributable to TDS shareholders and changes in TDS’ ownership interest in U.S. CellularUScellular on TDS’ equity:
Six Months Ended June 30,2020 2019
(Dollars in millions)   
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders$135
 $92
Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests   
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's issuance of U.S. Cellular shares(32) (23)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from U.S. Cellular's repurchases of U.S. Cellular shares14
 
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests(18) (23)
Changes from net income attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests$117
 $69

Nine Months Ended September 30,20202019
(Dollars in millions)  
Net income attributable to TDS shareholders$212 $110 
Transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's issuance of UScellular shares(38)(23)
Change in TDS' Capital in excess of par value from UScellular's repurchases of UScellular shares14 
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests(24)(17)
Changes from net income attributable to TDS shareholders and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests$188 $93 

57



Note 12 Business Segment Information
U.S. CellularUScellular and TDS Telecom are billed for services they receive from TDS, consisting primarily of information processing, accounting and finance, and general management services. Such billings are based on expenses specifically identified to U.S. CellularUScellular and TDS Telecom and on allocations of common expenses. Management believes the method used to allocate common expenses is reasonable and that all expenses and costs applicable to U.S. CellularUScellular and TDS Telecom are reflected in the accompanying business segment information on a basis that is representative of what they would have been if U.S. CellularUScellular and TDS Telecom operated on a stand-alone basis.
Financial data for TDS’ reportable segments for the three and sixnine month periods ended, or as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, is as follows. See Note 1 — Basis of Presentation for additional information. 
  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended or as of September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues      
Service$775 $173 $74 $247 $24 $1,046 
Equipment and product sales252 26 278 
Total operating revenues1,027 173 74 247 50 1,324 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)203 69 31 100 18 321 
Cost of equipment and products257 21 278 
Selling, general and administrative335 51 18 69 11 415 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 30 20 49 217 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
Operating income (loss)65 23 28 (6)87 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities48 48 
Interest and dividend income
Gain (loss) on investments
Interest expense(29)(15)(43)
Income (loss) before income taxes89 24 29 (19)99 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
(2)
Net income (loss)85 25 (17)93 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion161 30 20 49 217 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
Gain (loss) on investments(3)(3)
Interest expense29 (1)(1)15 43 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
(2)
Adjusted EBITDA3
$282 $53 $25 $78 $$362 
Investments in unconsolidated entities$467 $$$$37 $508 
Total assets$9,180 $1,539 $721 $2,250 $465 $11,895 
Capital expenditures$216 $74 $18 $92 $$310 
   TDS Telecom    
Three Months Ended or as of June 30, 2020U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable 
TDS Telecom Total1
 Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total
(Dollars in millions)           
Operating revenues           
Service$753
 $169
 $71
 $240
 $23
 $1,016
Equipment and product sales220
 
 
 
 27
 247
Total operating revenues973
 169
 71
 241
 49
 1,263
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)197
 63
 30
 92
 17
 306
Cost of equipment and products218
 
 
 
 23
 241
Selling, general and administrative323
 48
 17
 66
 9
 398
Depreciation, amortization and accretion178
 32
 20
 51
 7
 236
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net4
 
 
 
 
 4
Operating income (loss)53
 27
 4
 31
 (6) 78
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities44
 
 
 
 
 44
Interest and dividend income1
 1
 
 1
 
 2
Interest expense(25) 1
 
 1
 (14) (38)
Income (loss) before income taxes73
 28
 4
 33
 (20) 86
Income tax expense (benefit)2
4
 

 

 5
 (1) 8
Net income (loss)69
 

 

 28
 (19) 78
Add back:           
Depreciation, amortization and accretion178
 32
 20
 51
 7
 236
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net4
 
 
 
 
 4
Interest expense25
 (1) 
 (1) 14
 38
Income tax expense (benefit)2
4
 

 

 5
 (1) 8
Adjusted EBITDA3
$280
 $59
 $24
 $83
 $1
 $364
 

 

 

 

 

 

Investments in unconsolidated entities$445
 $4
 $
 $4
 $37
 $486
Total assets$8,500
 $1,495
 $725
 $2,210
 $451
 $11,161
Capital expenditures$168
 $58
 $17
 $75
 $4
 $247

58

Table of Contents


   TDS Telecom    
Three Months Ended or as of June 30, 2019U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable 
TDS Telecom Total1
 Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total
(Dollars in millions)           
Operating revenues           
Service$757
 $172
 $62
 $233
 $23
 $1,013
Equipment and product sales216
 
 
 
 32
 248
Total operating revenues973
 172
 62
 233
 55
 1,261
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)193
 64
 27
 91
 20
 304
Cost of equipment and products224
 
 
 
 25
 249
Selling, general and administrative344
 49
 15
 64
 13
 421
Depreciation, amortization and accretion177
 33
 17
 50
 7
 234
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net5
 (1) 
 (1) 1
 5
Operating income (loss)30
 27
 2
 29
 (11) 48
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities40
 
 
 
 1
 41
Interest and dividend income5
 3
 
 3
 1
 9
Interest expense(29) 1
 
 1
 (15) (43)
Income (loss) before income taxes46
 30
 3
 33
 (24) 55
Income tax expense (benefit)2
14
 

 

 8
 (6) 16
Net income (loss)32
 

 

 25
 (18) 39
Add back:           
Depreciation, amortization and accretion177
 33
 17
 50
 7
 234
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net5
 (1) 
 (1) 1
 5
Interest expense29
 (1) 
 (1) 15
 43
Income tax expense (benefit)2
14
 

 

 8
 (6) 16
Adjusted EBITDA3
$257
 $62
 $20
 $82
 $(2) $337
            
Investments in unconsolidated entities$450
 $4
 $
 $4
 $36
 $490
Total assets$8,223
 $1,377
 $641
 $2,009
 $563
 $10,795
Capital expenditures$195
 $55
 $15
 $70
 $(1) $264


  TDS Telecom  
Three Months Ended or as of September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues
Service$774 $169 $62 $231 $25 $1,030 
Equipment and product sales257 34 291 
Total operating revenues1,031 169 62 231 59 1,321 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)199 68 27 94 20 313 
Cost of equipment and products266 29 295 
Selling, general and administrative358 52 15 67 14 439 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion181 33 17 50 237 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
Operating income (loss)20 16 20 (11)29 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities44 44 
Interest and dividend income
Interest expense(29)(14)(42)
Income (loss) before income taxes39 20 24 (25)38 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
15 (5)15 
Net income (loss)24 18 (19)23 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion181 33 17 50 237 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net
Interest expense29 (1)(1)14 42 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
15 (5)15 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$256 $52 $21 $73 $(4)$325 
Investments in unconsolidated entities$471 $$$$36 $511 
Total assets$8,291 $1,430 $644 $2,066 $524 $10,881 
Capital expenditures$170 $61 $20 $81 $$253 
59

Table of Contents


   TDS Telecom    
Six Months Ended or as of June 30, 2020U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable 
TDS Telecom Total1
 Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total
(Dollars in millions)           
Operating revenues
 
 
 
 
 
Service$1,515
 $338
 $142
 $480
 $47
 $2,042
Equipment and product sales422
 
 
 1
 59
 482
Total operating revenues1,937
 339
 142
 481
 106
 2,524
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)377
 128
 60
 188
 34
 599
Cost of equipment and products435
 
 
 
 52
 487
Selling, general and administrative659
 97
 34
 130
 20
 809
Depreciation, amortization and accretion354
 64
 39
 103
 13
 470
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net8
 
 
 
 
 8
Operating income (loss)104
 50
 9
 59
 (12) 151
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities89
 
 
 
 1
 90
Interest and dividend income5
 3
 1
 4
 (1) 8
Interest expense(49) 2
 
 2
 (28) (75)
Other, net
 (1) 
 (1) 
 (1)
Income (loss) before income taxes149
 55
 10
 64
 (40) 173
Income tax expense (benefit)2
8
 

 

 8
 (4) 12
Net income (loss)141
 

 

 56
 (36) 161
Add back:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortization and accretion354
 64
 39
 103
 13
 470
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net8
 
 
 
 
 8
Interest expense49
 (2) 
 (2) 28
 75
Income tax expense (benefit)2
8
 

 

 8
 (4) 12
Adjusted EBITDA3
$560
 $116
 $49
 $165
 $1
 $726
 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures$405
 $97
 $31
 $128
 $6
 $539


  TDS Telecom  
Nine Months Ended or as of September 30, 2020UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues
Service$2,290 $511 $216 $727 $71 $3,088 
Equipment and product sales674 86 761 
Total operating revenues2,964 512 216 728 157 3,849 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)580 197 91 287 52 919 
Cost of equipment and products692 72 765 
Selling, general and administrative994 148 52 200 33 1,227 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion516 94 59 152 17 685 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net14 15 
Operating income (loss)168 73 14 87 (17)238 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities137 138 
Interest and dividend income12 
Gain (loss) on investments
Interest expense(76)(46)(119)
Other, net(1)(1)(1)
Income (loss) before income taxes238 79 15 94 (61)271 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
11 13 (7)17 
Net income (loss)227 81 (54)254 
Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion516 94 59 152 17 685 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net14 15 
Gain (loss) on investments(3)(3)
Interest expense76 (3)(3)46 119 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
11 13 (7)17 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$841 $169 $74 $243 $$1,087 
Capital expenditures$621 $171 $49 $221 $$849 
60

Table of Contents


 TDS Telecom  
  TDS Telecom    
Six Months Ended or as of June 30, 2019U.S. Cellular Wireline Cable 
TDS Telecom Total1
 Corporate, Eliminations and Other Total
Nine Months Ended or as of September 30, 2019Nine Months Ended or as of September 30, 2019UScellularWirelineCable
TDS Telecom Total1
Corporate, Eliminations and OtherTotal
(Dollars in millions)           (Dollars in millions)      
Operating revenues           Operating revenues
Service$1,498
 $342
 $121
 $463
 $47
 $2,008
Service$2,272 $512 $183 $694 $72 $3,038 
Equipment and product sales441
 1
 
 1
 68
 510
Equipment and product sales698 103 802 
Total operating revenues1,939
 343
 121
 464
 115
 2,518
Total operating revenues2,970 512 184 695 175 3,840 
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)369
 127
 52
 179
 40
 588
Cost of services (excluding Depreciation, amortization and accretion reported below)568 195 79 274 58 900 
Cost of equipment and products458
 1
 
 1
 54
 513
Cost of equipment and products724 83 808 
Selling, general and administrative669
 96
 30
 125
 25
 819
Selling, general and administrative1,027 148 44 193 40 1,260 
Depreciation, amortization and accretion345
 66
 34
 100
 15
 460
Depreciation, amortization and accretion524 99 51 150 23 697 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net7
 (8) 1
 (8) 1
 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net13 (8)(7)(1)
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(2) 
 
 
 
 (2)(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)(1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(2) 
 
 
 
 (2)
Operating income (loss)95
 61
 5
 66
 (19) 142
Operating income (loss)115 78 86 (30)171 
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities84
 
 
 
 1
 85
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities128 129 
Interest and dividend income11
 5
 1
 6
 
 17
Interest and dividend income14 24 
Interest expense(58) 1
 
 1
 (29) (86)Interest expense(87)(43)(128)
Other, net(1) 
 
 
 2
 1
Income (loss) before income taxes131
 68
 6
 74
 (46) 159
Income (loss) before income taxes170 88 97 (71)196 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
41
     18
 (9) 50
Income tax expense (benefit)2
55 23 (14)64 
Net income (loss)90
     56
 (37) 109
Net income (loss)115 74 (57)132 
Add back:           Add back:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion345
 66
 34
 100
 15
 460
Depreciation, amortization and accretion524 99 51 150 23 697 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net7
 (8) 1
 (8) 1
 
(Gain) loss on asset disposals, net13 (8)(7)(1)
(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(2) 
 
 
 
 (2)(Gain) loss on sale of business and other exit costs, net(1)(1)
(Gain) loss on license sales and exchanges, net(2) 
 
 
 
 (2)
Interest expense58
 (1) 
 (1) 29
 86
Interest expense87 (2)(2)43 128 
Income tax expense (benefit)2
41
     18
 (9) 50
Income tax expense (benefit)2
55 23 (14)64 
Adjusted EBITDA3
$537
 $125
 $40
 $165
 $(1) $701
Adjusted EBITDA3
$793 $177 $61 $238 $(6)$1,025 
           
Capital expenditures$297
 $84
 $28
 $112
 $2
 $411
Capital expenditures$467 $145 $48 $193 $$664 
Numbers may not foot due to rounding.
1TDS Telecom Total includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
2Income tax expense (benefit) is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline and Cable. TDS calculates income tax expense for “TDS Telecom Total".
3Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (Adjusted EBITDA) is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, 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.
1
TDS Telecom Total includes eliminations between the Wireline and Cable segments.
2
Income tax expense (benefit) is not provided at the individual segment level for Wireline and Cable. TDS calculates income tax expense for “TDS Telecom Total".
3
Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and accretion (Adjusted EBITDA) is a segment measure reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, adjusted for the items set forth in the reconciliation above. TDS believes Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure of TDS’ operating results before significant recurring non-cash charges, 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.

61



Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.
Additional Required Information

Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
TDS maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is processed, recorded, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to TDS’ management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
As required by SEC Rules 13a-15(b), TDS carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of TDS’ disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based on this evaluation, TDS’ principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that TDS' disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of JuneSeptember 30, 2020, at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in internal controls over financial reporting that have occurred during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, TDS’ internal control over financial reporting.
Legal Proceedings
In April 2018, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) notified TDS that it was conducting inquiries of U.S. CellularUScellular and TDS under the federal False Claims Act relating to U.S. Cellular’sUScellular’s participation in wireless spectrum license auctions 58, 66, 73 and 97 conducted by the FCC. U.S. CellularUScellular is/was a limited partner in several limited partnerships which qualified for the 25% bid credit in each auction. The investigation arose from civil actions under the Federal False Claims Act brought by private parties. In November and December 2019, following the DOJ’s investigation, the DOJ informed TDS and U.S. CellularUScellular that it would not intervene in the above-referenced actions. Subsequently, the private party plaintiffs filed amended complaints in both actions in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma and are continuing the action on their own. In July 2020, these actions were transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. TDS and U.S. CellularUScellular believe that U.S. Cellular’sUScellular’s arrangements with the limited partnerships and the limited partnerships’ participation in the FCC auctions complied with applicable law and FCC rules. At this time, TDS cannot predict the outcome of any proceeding.
Refer to the disclosure under Legal Proceedings in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, for additional information. There have been no material changes to such information since December 31, 2019.

62



Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On August 2, 2013, the Board of Directors of TDS authorized, and TDS announced by Form 8-K, a $250 million stock repurchase program for TDS Common Shares. Depending on market conditions, such shares may be repurchased in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act, pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, or pursuant to accelerated share repurchase arrangements, prepaid share repurchases, private transactions or as otherwise authorized. This authorization does not have an expiration date. TDS did not determine to terminate the foregoing Common Share repurchase program, or cease making further purchases thereunder, during the secondthird quarter of 2020.
The following table provides certain information with respect to allmaximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under this program was $185 million as of September 30, 2020. There were no purchases made by or on behalf of TDS, and anyno open market purchases made by any "affiliated purchaser" (as defined by the SEC) of TDS, of TDS Common Shares during the quarter covered by this Form 10-Q.
PeriodTotal Number of Shares PurchasedAverage Price Paid per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or ProgramsMaximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
April 1 - 30, 2020501,212
$15.62
501,212
$185,033,191
May 1 - 31, 2020
$

$185,033,191
June 1 - 30, 2020
$

$185,033,191
Total for or as of the end of the quarter ended June 30, 2020501,212
$15.62
501,212
$185,033,191
Other Information
The following information is being provided to update prior disclosures made pursuant to the requirements of Form 8-K, Item 2.03 — Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation Under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.
Neither TDS nor U.S. Cellular borrowed or repaid any cash amounts under their revolving credit agreements in the second quarter of 2020 or through the filing date of this Form 10-Q, and had no cash borrowings outstanding under their revolving credit agreements as of June 30, 2020, or as of the filing date of this Form 10-Q.
Neither TDS nor U.S. Cellular repaid any cash amounts under their senior term loan credit agreements in the second quarter of 2020 or through the filing date of this Form 10-Q.
Further, U.S. Cellular did not repay any cash amounts under its receivables securitization agreement in the second quarter of 2020. In April 2020, U.S. Cellular borrowed $125 million under its receivables securitization agreement.

63



Exhibits
Exhibit NumberDescription of Documents
Exhibit NumberDescription of Documents
Exhibit 4.1
Exhibit 4.2
Exhibit 4.24.3
Exhibit 4.3
Exhibit 4.410.1
Exhibit 4.5
Exhibit 4.6
Exhibit 10.1
Exhibit 10.2
Exhibit 10.3
Exhibit 10.410.2
Exhibit 10.5
Exhibit 10.6
Exhibit 10.7
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2
Exhibit 101.INSXBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
Exhibit 101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
Exhibit 101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
Exhibit 101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
Exhibit 104Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline document.
The foregoing exhibits include only the exhibits that relate specifically to this Form 10-Q or that supplement the exhibits identified in TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Reference is made to TDS’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a complete list of exhibits, which are incorporated herein except to the extent supplemented or superseded above.

64



Form 10-Q Cross Reference Index
Item NumberPage No.
Part I.Financial Information 
    
 -
  -
    
 -
    
 
    
 
    
Part II. Other Information 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
Item NumberPage No.
Part I.Financial Information   
      
 -
  -
      
 -
      
 
      
 
      
Part II. Other Information   
      
 
      
 
      
 
      
 
      
 
      
 

65



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS, INC.
(Registrant)
Date:August 6,November 5, 2020/s/ LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
Date:August 6,November 5, 2020/s/ Peter L. Sereda
Peter L. Sereda
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
Date:August 6,November 5, 2020/s/ Anita J. Kroll
Anita J. Kroll
Vice President - Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
(principal accounting officer)

66