v3.26.1
Fair Value Measurements
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements

The carrying values of Cash and cash equivalents, Accounts receivable and Accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The carrying values of EIP receivables approximate fair value as the receivables are generally recorded at their present value using an imputed interest rate.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We use derivatives to manage exposure to market risk, such as exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. We designate certain derivatives as hedging instruments in a qualifying hedge accounting relationship to mitigate fluctuations in values or cash flows related to such risks caused by foreign currency or interest rate volatility. We do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

Cash flows associated with qualifying hedge derivative instruments are presented in the same category on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as the item being hedged. For fair value hedges, other than foreign currency hedges, the change in the fair value of the derivative instruments is recognized in earnings through the same income statement line item as the change in the fair value of the hedged item. For cash flow hedges, as well as fair value foreign currency hedges, the change in the fair value of the derivative instruments is reported in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and recognized in earnings when the hedged item is recognized in earnings, again, through the same income statement line item.

We record derivatives on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value that is derived primarily from observable market data, including exchange rates, interest rates and forward curves. These market inputs are utilized in the discounted cash flow calculation considering the instrument's term, notional amount, discount rate and credit risk. Significant inputs to derivative valuations are generally observable in active markets and, as such, are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Cross-Currency Swaps

We enter into cross-currency swaps to offset changes in the value of our payments on foreign-denominated debt in USD and to mitigate the impact of foreign currency transaction gains and losses.

We have entered into cross-currency swap agreements, with the same notional amounts as our EUR-denominated debt issuances, to effectively convert €7.3 billion to USD borrowings, with the same maturities as our EUR-denominated debt issuances. The swaps qualify and have been designated as fair value hedges of our EUR-denominated debt, mitigating our exposure to foreign currency transaction gains and losses.

Accordingly, all changes in the fair value of the swaps will be initially recorded through Accumulated other comprehensive loss on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and reclassified to earnings in an amount that exactly offsets the periodic transaction gain or loss on remeasuring the debt, such that there will be no earnings volatility due to changes in foreign-currency exchange rates. Transaction gains or losses on remeasuring the EUR-denominated debt, as well as the offsetting swap amounts, are recorded within Other expense, net on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Changes in the fair value of the swaps may be different from the current period transaction gain or loss on remeasurement of the debt, in which case the difference will remain in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These differences generally represent credit or liquidity risk, referred to as a basis spread, and the time value of money (“excluded components”). The value of the excluded components is recognized in earnings using a systematic and rational method by accruing the current-period swap settlements into Interest expense, net, on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. If an amount remains in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets upon settlement of the derivative, those amounts will be reclassified to earnings at that time.

The following table summarizes the activity of our cross-currency swaps:
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20262025
Other expense, net
Pre-tax transaction gain (loss) on remeasurement of EUR-denominated debt$183 $(218)
Amount recognized in Other expense, net reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(183)218 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Amount recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassified to Other expense, net
$183 $(218)
Losses associated with the change in fair value of cross-currency swaps recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(231)(20)

Interest Rate Lock Derivatives

In April 2020, we terminated our interest rate lock derivatives entered into in October 2018. Aggregate changes in the fair value of our terminated interest rate lock derivatives, net of amortization, of $721 million and $771 million are presented in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively.

During the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, we amortized $67 million and $62 million, respectively, from Accumulated other comprehensive loss into Interest expense, net, on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. We expect to amortize $279 million of the Accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with the derivatives into Interest expense, net, over the 12 months ending March 31, 2027.
Debt

The fair values of our Senior Notes and spectrum-backed Senior Secured Notes to third parties were determined based on quoted market prices in active markets. Accordingly, our Senior Notes and spectrum-backed Senior Secured Notes to third parties were classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of our Senior Notes to affiliates was determined based on the fair value of the Senior Notes to third parties with similar terms and maturities. Accordingly, our Senior Notes to affiliates were classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of our Senior Notes to third parties (EUR-denominated) and asset-backed notes (“ABS Notes”) were primarily based on quoted prices in inactive markets for identical instruments and observable changes in market interest rates, both of which are Level 2 inputs. Accordingly, our Senior Notes to third parties (EUR-denominated) and ABS Notes were classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of our borrowings related to credit agreements with certain financial institutions, backed by Export Credit Agencies (the “ECA Facilities”) and the MRFA (as defined below) were determined based on a discounted cash flow approach using market interest rates of instruments with similar maturities and credit risk. Accordingly, our borrowings related to the ECA Facilities and MRFA were classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Although we have determined the estimated fair values using available market information and commonly accepted valuation methodologies, judgment was required in interpreting market data to develop fair value estimates for the Senior Notes to third parties (EUR-denominated), Senior Notes to affiliates, ABS Notes, and borrowings related to the ECA Facilities and MRFA. The fair value estimates were based on information available as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025. As such, our estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amount we could realize in a current market exchange.

The carrying amounts and fair values of our short-term and long-term debt, excluding accrued interest, included on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
(in millions)Level within the Fair Value HierarchyMarch 31, 2026December 31, 2025
Carrying AmountFair ValueCarrying AmountFair Value
Liabilities:
Senior Notes to third parties1$72,247 $67,093 $74,575 $70,517 
Senior Notes to third parties (EUR-denominated)28,284 8,060 5,551 5,460 
Senior Notes to affiliates2— — 1,498 1,500 
Senior Secured Notes to third parties1748 738 844 835 
ABS Notes to third parties21,994 2,003 1,995 2,017 
Borrowings related to ECA Facilities and MRFA22,774 2,828 1,819 1,876