
Cancel anytime
- Chart
- Upturn Summary
- Highlights
- Revenue
- Valuation
- Analyst Ratings
Upturn AI SWOT
- About


Telephone and Data Systems Inc (TDS)



- BUY Advisory
- SELL Advisory (Profit)
- SELL Advisory (Loss)
- Profit
- Loss
- Pass (Skip investing)


(see disclosures)
- ALL
- YEAR
- MONTH
- WEEK
Upturn Advisory Summary
07/01/2025: TDS (2-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
1 Year Target Price $50
1 Year Target Price $50
0 | Strong Buy |
2 | Buy |
0 | Hold |
0 | Sell |
0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -4.97% | Avg. Invested days 42 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() |
Key Highlights
Company Size Mid-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 4.06B USD | Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 50 |
Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 50 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 2 | Beta 0.53 | 52 Weeks Range 17.81 - 41.11 | Updated Date 07/1/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 17.81 - 41.11 | Updated Date 07/1/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 0.45% | Basic EPS (TTM) -1.05 |
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 -1.03% | Operating Margin (TTM) 3.21% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 0.59% | Return on Equity (TTM) -0.88% |
Valuation
Trailing PE - | Forward PE - | Enterprise Value 9884523166 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.84 |
Enterprise Value 9884523166 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.84 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 2.04 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 8.46 | Shares Outstanding 107208000 | Shares Floating 88207500 |
Shares Outstanding 107208000 | Shares Floating 88207500 | ||
Percent Insiders 8.41 | Percent Institutions 95.64 |
Analyst Ratings
Rating 1 | Target Price 50 | Buy 2 | Strong Buy - |
Buy 2 | Strong Buy - | ||
Hold - | Sell - | Strong Sell - | |
Strong Sell - |
Upturn AI SWOT
Telephone and Data Systems Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS) was founded in 1969. TDS started as a collection of small telephone companies and has evolved to include wireless, cable, and hosted managed services. It has grown through acquisitions and organic expansion.
Core Business Areas
- US Cellular: Provides wireless services to consumers and businesses.
- TDS Telecom: Offers broadband, video, and voice services to residential and business customers in rural and suburban areas.
Leadership and Structure
LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr. is the Chairman of the Board. Vicki L. Villacrez serves as the President and CEO. The company operates with a hierarchical structure, with executive leadership overseeing various operational divisions.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Wireless Services (US Cellular): Provides mobile phone services, data plans, and related equipment. Competitors include Verizon (VZ), AT&T (T), and T-Mobile (TMUS). Market share information varies and is regionally dependent.
- Broadband Services (TDS Telecom): Offers high-speed internet, video services, and voice services to residential and business customers. Competitors include Charter Communications (CHTR) and Comcast (CMCSA).
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The telecommunications industry is characterized by rapid technological advancements, increasing competition, and evolving customer demands. The shift to 5G and fiber optic networks are key trends. There is pressure on smaller players to compete with larger competitors.
Positioning
TDS is positioned as a provider of telecommunications services in rural and suburban markets. Its competitive advantages include its established infrastructure and local presence.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The total addressable market for telecommunications services is substantial, estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars annually. TDS's position within this TAM focuses on specific geographies and customer segments, limiting its overall reach compared to larger national providers.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Established infrastructure in rural markets
- Local presence and customer relationships
- Diversified service offerings (wireless, broadband, video)
- Experienced management team
Weaknesses
- Smaller scale compared to national competitors
- Limited geographic reach
- Dependence on rural markets
- Higher capital expenditure requirements
Opportunities
- Expansion of broadband services in underserved areas
- Adoption of 5G technology
- Increasing demand for data services
- Government subsidies for rural broadband deployment
Threats
- Intense competition from larger carriers
- Technological obsolescence
- Regulatory changes
- Economic downturns affecting consumer spending
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- VZ
- T
- CMCSA
- CHTR
- TMUS
Competitive Landscape
TDS faces significant competition from larger national carriers. While it has advantages in its established rural markets, its scale and resources are limited compared to Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast. This requires TDS to focus on niche markets and specific customer segments.
Major Acquisitions
Oneida Telephone Exchange, Inc.
- Year: 2023
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 41
- Strategic Rationale: TDS acquired Oneida Telephone Exchange, Inc., expanding its fiber footprint in northeast Tennessee.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Detailed financials from the past years are needed to complete this analysis.
Future Projections: Detailed analyst estimates for future growth are needed to complete this section.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives are not readily available.
Summary
TDS is a smaller telecommunications provider focused on rural and suburban markets. It has established infrastructure and customer relationships, but faces intense competition from larger national carriers. Growth opportunities exist in expanding broadband services and adopting new technologies, but TDS must manage its capital expenditure requirements and adapt to regulatory changes to stay competitive.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company Filings
- Industry Reports
- Market Analysis
Disclaimers:
The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Market data and estimates 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.
Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.