TDS official logo TDS
TDS 2-star rating from Upturn Advisory
Telephone and Data Systems Inc (TDS) company logo

Telephone and Data Systems Inc (TDS)

Telephone and Data Systems Inc (TDS) 2-star rating from Upturn Advisory
$39.4
Last Close (24-hour delay)
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PASS
  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
  • Loss
  • Pass (Skip investing)
Upturn Stock price based on last close icon Stock price based on last close
*as per simulation
(see disclosures)
Time period over
  • ALL
  • 1Y
  • 1M
  • 1W

Upturn Advisory Summary

12/05/2025: TDS (2-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

Upturn Star Rating

Upturn 2 star rating for performance

Below Average Performance

These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, often underperform the market, warranting careful consideration before investing.

Number of Analysts

1 star rating from financial analysts

2 Analysts rated it

Very few follow this stock; limited insights, higher-risk early investing.

1 Year Target Price $48.67

1 Year Target Price $48.67

Analysts Price Target For last 52 week
$48.67 Target price
52w Low $31
Current$39.4
52w High $42.7

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -8.85%
Avg. Invested days 44
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Star Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 2.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 12/05/2025

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

Icon representing Upturn AI-generated SWOT analysis summary Upturn AI SWOT

Telephone and Data Systems Inc

Telephone and Data Systems Inc(TDS) company logo displayed in Upturn AI summary

Company Overview

Company history and background logo 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.

Company business area logo 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 logo 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

Product Key Offerings logo 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 logo 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 competitor logo 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.

Information icon for Upturn AI Summarization accuracy disclaimer AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.

Information icon for Upturn AI Summarization data freshness disclaimer Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.

Information icon warning about Upturn AI Fundamental Rating based on potentially old data Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.

Information icon warning about potential inaccuracies or hallucinations in Upturn AI-generated summaries 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
Full time employees 7900

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.