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Telephone and Data Systems Inc (TDS)

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Upturn Advisory Summary
12/05/2025: TDS (2-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
1 Year Target Price $48.67
1 Year Target Price $48.67
| 0 | Strong Buy |
| 2 | Buy |
| 0 | Hold |
| 0 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -8.85% | Avg. Invested days 44 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance | Stock Returns Performance |
Key Highlights
Company Size Mid-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 4.55B USD | Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 48.67 |
Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 48.67 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 2 | Beta 0.32 | 52 Weeks Range 31.00 - 42.70 | Updated Date 12/7/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 31.00 - 42.70 | Updated Date 12/7/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 0.41% | Basic EPS (TTM) -0.62 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin -1.18% | Operating Margin (TTM) -5.85% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 0.93% | Return on Equity (TTM) 2.95% |
Valuation
Trailing PE - | Forward PE - | Enterprise Value 6054954120 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.94 |
Enterprise Value 6054954120 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.94 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 1.25 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 4.37 | Shares Outstanding 108004000 | Shares Floating 92752946 |
Shares Outstanding 108004000 | Shares Floating 92752946 | ||
Percent Insiders 8.2 | Percent Institutions 99.13 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Telephone and Data Systems Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) was founded in 1969. It has grown through acquisitions and organic growth, evolving from a traditional telephone company to a diversified communications provider.
Core Business Areas
- US Cellular: Provides wireless services and equipment to customers in various markets.
- Wireline: Offers broadband, video, and voice services in primarily rural and suburban areas.
Leadership and Structure
LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr. serves as Chairman of the Board. The company is structured with distinct operating segments (US Cellular and Wireline) each managed by its own leadership team.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Wireless Services (US Cellular): Provides postpaid and prepaid wireless plans, devices, and related services. US Cellular's market share fluctuates but is estimated around 5-7% nationally, competing with Verizon (VZ), AT&T (T), and T-Mobile (TMUS).
- Broadband Services (Wireline): Offers high-speed internet access to residential and business customers, particularly in underserved markets. Market share varies by region, facing competition from cable providers and other telecommunications companies.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The telecommunications industry is characterized by increasing competition, technological advancements (5G, fiber), and growing demand for data and broadband services.
Positioning
TDS occupies a niche position, focusing on providing services in smaller markets often overlooked by larger players. Competitive advantages include local presence and customer service focus.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The total addressable market for wireless and broadband services is substantial (hundreds of billions of USD). TDS's positioning targets specific underserved segments within this TAM.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong regional presence in key markets
- Established customer base
- Focus on underserved markets
- Experienced management team
Weaknesses
- Smaller scale compared to major competitors
- Limited geographic reach
- Dependence on rural markets
- Higher capital expenditure requirements
Opportunities
- Expansion of 5G network
- Government subsidies for rural broadband
- Acquisition of smaller telecommunications providers
- Increased demand for data services
Threats
- Intense competition from larger players
- Technological obsolescence
- Regulatory changes
- Economic downturns affecting consumer spending
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- VZ
- T
- TMUS
- CMCSA
Competitive Landscape
TDS faces stiff competition from larger, well-funded players. Its success hinges on its ability to differentiate itself through localized services and customer focus.
Major Acquisitions
Continuum
- Year: 2019
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 80
- Strategic Rationale: Expanded TDS's broadband footprint and customer base in Montana.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Refer to TDS's investor relations for this data.
Future Projections: Refer to analyst reports and TDS's investor relations for this data.
Recent Initiatives: TDS has been focusing on expanding its fiber optic network and deploying 5G technology. It is also focusing on targeted acquisitions of smaller cable and broadband companies.
Summary
Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) is a smaller player in a highly competitive telecommunications market. Its strength lies in its focus on rural and underserved areas. However, it faces challenges from larger companies and must continue to invest in its network and technology to remain competitive. Expansion into new areas is limited and may need strategic partners.
Similar Stocks
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company Filings (SEC), Analyst Reports, Industry Publications
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market conditions and company performance are subject to change.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Telephone and Data Systems Inc
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Chicago, IL, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1991-09-18 | Chairman, President & CEO Mr. Walter C. D. Carlson J.D. | ||
Sector Communication Services | Industry Telecom Services | Full time employees 7900 | Website https://www.tdsinc.com |
Full time employees 7900 | Website https://www.tdsinc.com | ||
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a telecommunications company, provides communications services to consumer, business, and government in the United States. It operates through three segments: UScellular Wireless, UScellular Towers, and TDS Telecom. The company offers wireless solutions, including a suite of connected Internet of things (IoT) solutions, and software applications for monitor and control, business automation/operations, communication, fleet/asset/video management solutions, security solutions, private cellular networks, and custom and bespoke end-to-end IoT solutions, as well as professional and managed services, such as staff augmentation, IPX services, and SIM management; and critical connectivity solutions comprising wireless priority services and quality priority and preemption options. It also provides devices, such as smartphones and other handsets, tablets, wearables, mobile hotspots, fixed wireless home internet, and IoT devices; accessories, including wireless essentials which include cases, screen protectors, cables, chargers, memory cards, as well as consumer electronics, comprising bluetooth audio, wi-fi enabled cameras, and networking products. In addition, the company offers replace and repair services; Trade-In program through which it buys customers' used equipment; internet connections and all-home Wi-Fi services; TDS TV+, an integrated cloud television platform; local and long-distance telephone service, voice over internet protocol, and enhanced services; broadband, IP-based services, and hosted voice and video collaboration services; and communication services in underserved areas. The company sells and distributes its products through third-party direct sales, retail stores, sales agents, and an online platform to sell services and products. Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. was incorporated in 1968 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

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