Tearsheet

Telephone and Data Systems (TDS)


Market Price (12/28/2025): $40.25 | Market Cap: $4.7 Bil
Sector: Communication Services | Industry: Integrated Telecommunication Services

Telephone and Data Systems (TDS)


Market Price (12/28/2025): $40.25
Market Cap: $4.7 Bil
Sector: Communication Services
Industry: Integrated Telecommunication Services

Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.


0 Strong revenue growth
Rev Chg LTMRevenue Change % Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 60%
Trading close to highs
Dist 52W High is -1.0%, Dist 3Y High is -1.0%
Weak revenue growth
Rev Chg QQuarterly Revenue Change % is -5.8%
1 Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 12%
  Not cash flow generative
FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is -1.9%
2 Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 34%
  Yield minus risk free rate is negative
ERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is -3.5%
3 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include 5G & Advanced Connectivity. Themes include Wireless Services, and Telecom Infrastructure.
  Key risks
TDS key risks include [1] its significant debt load, Show more.
0 Strong revenue growth
Rev Chg LTMRevenue Change % Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 60%
1 Attractive cash flow generation
CFO/Rev LTMCash Flow from Operations / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is 12%
2 Low stock price volatility
Vol 12M is 34%
3 Megatrend and thematic drivers
Megatrends include 5G & Advanced Connectivity. Themes include Wireless Services, and Telecom Infrastructure.
4 Trading close to highs
Dist 52W High is -1.0%, Dist 3Y High is -1.0%
5 Weak revenue growth
Rev Chg QQuarterly Revenue Change % is -5.8%
6 Not cash flow generative
FCF/Rev LTMFree Cash Flow / Revenue (Sales), Last Twelve Months (LTM) is -1.9%
7 Yield minus risk free rate is negative
ERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is -3.5%
8 Key risks
TDS key risks include [1] its significant debt load, Show more.

Valuation, Metrics & Events

TDS Stock


Why The Stock Moved


Qualitative Assessment

AI Analysis | Feedback

<br><br>

<b>1. Positive Q3 2025 Earnings:</b> Telephone and Data Systems reported diluted earnings per share of $0.33 for the third quarter of 2025, a significant improvement from a loss in the prior year, which also surpassed analyst expectations despite a decrease in total operating revenues.

<br><br>

<b>2. Enhanced Strategic Focus and Debt Reduction:</b> Following the August 2025 sale of Array's wireless operations, TDS announced plans to redeem approximately $1.1 billion in high-cost debt. This action is projected to result in an estimated $80 million in annual interest savings and a lower average cost of debt, providing increased financial flexibility and solidifying a strategic focus on fiber and wireless infrastructure.

<br><br>

<b>3. Continued Execution of Fiber Broadband Strategy:</b> The company demonstrated progress in its core business transformation by delivering 42,000 marketable fiber services addresses and securing 11,200 residential fiber net additions during the third quarter of 2025.

<br><br>

<b>4. Declaration of Fourth Quarter 2025 Dividends:</b> On November 21, 2025, TDS declared its fourth-quarter 2025 dividends on common and preferred shares. This announcement resulted in a mild positive market reaction, with the stock gaining 1.33% on the day the news was published.

<br><br>

<b>5. Favorable Analyst Sentiment and Price Targets:</b> Analysts covering TDS stock maintained or initiated "Buy" or "Strong Buy" ratings, with an average price target forecasting a notable increase. This reflects positive market sentiment and confidence in the company's future prospects.

Show more

Stock Movement Drivers

Fundamental Drivers

The 7.4% change in TDS stock from 9/27/2025 to 12/27/2025 was primarily driven by a 8.8% change in the company's P/S Multiple.
927202512272025Change
Stock Price ($)37.4740.257.42%
Change Contribution ByLTMLTM
Total Revenues ($ Mil)6629.876610.89-0.29%
P/S Multiple0.650.718.78%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)115.00116.13-0.98%
Cumulative Contribution7.41%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

9/27/2025 to 12/27/2025
ReturnCorrelation
TDS7.4% 
Market (SPY)4.3%51.0%
Sector (XLC)-0.2%40.4%

Fundamental Drivers

The 17.6% change in TDS stock from 6/28/2025 to 12/27/2025 was primarily driven by a 20.0% change in the company's P/S Multiple.
628202512272025Change
Stock Price ($)34.2440.2517.55%
Change Contribution ByLTMLTM
Total Revenues ($ Mil)6681.876610.89-1.06%
P/S Multiple0.590.7119.98%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)115.00116.13-0.98%
Cumulative Contribution17.54%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

6/28/2025 to 12/27/2025
ReturnCorrelation
TDS17.6% 
Market (SPY)12.6%35.8%
Sector (XLC)9.9%30.1%

Fundamental Drivers

The 16.0% change in TDS stock from 12/27/2024 to 12/27/2025 was primarily driven by a 59.7% change in the company's Total Revenues ($ Mil).
1227202412272025Change
Stock Price ($)34.6940.2516.04%
Change Contribution ByLTMLTM
Total Revenues ($ Mil)4139.506610.8959.70%
P/S Multiple0.960.71-26.00%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)114.03116.13-1.84%
Cumulative Contribution16.00%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

12/27/2024 to 12/27/2025
ReturnCorrelation
TDS16.0% 
Market (SPY)17.0%43.7%
Sector (XLC)21.3%40.8%

Fundamental Drivers

The 316.1% change in TDS stock from 12/28/2022 to 12/27/2025 was primarily driven by a 248.0% change in the company's P/S Multiple.
1228202212272025Change
Stock Price ($)9.6740.25316.09%
Change Contribution ByLTMLTM
Total Revenues ($ Mil)5428.006610.8921.79%
P/S Multiple0.200.71248.01%
Shares Outstanding (Mil)114.00116.13-1.86%
Cumulative Contribution315.95%

LTM = Last Twelve Months as of date shown

Market Drivers

12/28/2023 to 12/27/2025
ReturnCorrelation
TDS122.5% 
Market (SPY)48.0%27.1%
Sector (XLC)64.6%29.6%

Return vs. Risk


Price Returns Compared

 202020212022202320242025Total [1]
Returns
TDS Return-24%12%-45%86%89%18%93%
Peers Return16%38%-12%21%26%16%150%
S&P 500 Return16%27%-19%24%23%18%114%

Monthly Win Rates [3]
TDS Win Rate33%42%42%33%67%58% 
Peers Win Rate52%65%42%68%57%52% 
S&P 500 Win Rate58%75%42%67%75%73% 

Max Drawdowns [4]
TDS Max Drawdown-40%-5%-49%-36%-24%-7% 
Peers Max Drawdown-34%-5%-26%-7%-9%-23% 
S&P 500 Max Drawdown-31%-1%-25%-1%-2%-15% 


[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] Peers: HPQ, HPE, IBM, CSCO, AAPL. See TDS Returns vs. Peers.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2025 data is for the year up to 12/26/2025 (YTD)

How Low Can It Go

Unique KeyEventTDSS&P 500
2022 Inflation Shock2022 Inflation Shock  
2022 Inflation Shock% Loss% Loss-75.0%-25.4%
2022 Inflation Shock% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven299.4%34.1%
2022 Inflation ShockTime to BreakevenTime to Breakeven505 days464 days
2020 Covid Pandemic2020 Covid Pandemic  
2020 Covid Pandemic% Loss% Loss-40.0%-33.9%
2020 Covid Pandemic% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven66.8%51.3%
2020 Covid PandemicTime to BreakevenTime to Breakeven424 days148 days
2018 Correction2018 Correction  
2018 Correction% Loss% Loss-40.4%-19.8%
2018 Correction% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven67.9%24.7%
2018 CorrectionTime to BreakevenTime to Breakeven1,924 days120 days
2008 Global Financial Crisis2008 Global Financial Crisis  
2008 Global Financial Crisis% Loss% Loss-69.4%-56.8%
2008 Global Financial Crisis% Gain to Breakeven% Gain to Breakeven227.2%131.3%
2008 Global Financial CrisisTime to BreakevenTime to BreakevenNot Fully Recovered days1,480 days

Compare to HPQ, HPE, IBM, CSCO, AAPL

In The Past

Telephone and Data Systems's stock fell -75.0% during the 2022 Inflation Shock from a high on 6/8/2021. A -75.0% loss requires a 299.4% gain to breakeven.

Preserve Wealth

Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth over time.

Asset Allocation

Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.

About Telephone and Data Systems (TDS)

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a telecommunications company, provides communications services in the United States. It operates through two segments: UScellular and TDS Telecom. The company offers wireless solutions to consumers and business and government customers, including a suite of connected Internet of things (IoT) solutions, and software applications for monitor and control, business automation/operations, communication, fleet and asset management, smart water solutions, private cellular networks and custom, and end-to-end IoT solutions; wireless priority services and quality priority and preemption options; smartphones and other handsets, tablets, wearables, mobile hotspots, routers, and IoT devices; and accessories, such as cases, screen protectors, chargers, and memory cards, as well as consumer electronics, including audio, home automation and networking products. It also provides 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 that offers video content; local and long-distance telephone service, VoIP, and enhanced services; and broadband, IP-based services, and hosted voice and video collaboration services. The company sells its products through retail sales, direct and indirect sales, third-party retailers, and independent agents, as well as through ecommerce and telesales. As of December 31, 2021, it offers its services to customers 5 million wireless connections, and 1.2 million wireline and cable connections. The company was incorporated in 1968 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

AI Analysis | Feedback

A regional AT&T, offering both wireless and fixed-line internet services.

AI Analysis | Feedback

  • Wireless Telecommunications: Provides mobile voice, messaging, and data services to consumers and businesses via UScellular.
  • Broadband Internet Services: Offers high-speed internet access, primarily through fiber optic and DSL, to residential and business customers via TDS Telecom.
  • Wireline Voice Services: Delivers traditional landline telephone services, including local and long-distance calling, through TDS Telecom.
  • Video Services: Provides television programming and on-demand content over its broadband network via TDS Telecom.
  • Managed IT and Cloud Services: Offers outsourced IT infrastructure management, cloud computing solutions, and data center services through OneNeck IT Solutions.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) primarily sells its services to individuals and households, although it also has significant business-to-business (B2B) operations through its TDS Telecom segment and OneNeck IT Solutions subsidiary.

Given its primary focus on individual customers, the major categories of customers TDS serves include:

  • Mobile Consumers: These are individuals and families who subscribe to wireless voice, messaging, and data services. This customer base is predominantly served through TDS's majority-owned subsidiary, U.S. Cellular (NYSE: USM).

  • Residential Broadband, Video, and Voice Subscribers: These are households and individuals in specific service areas (often rural and suburban communities) who subscribe to high-speed internet (broadband), television, and/or traditional landline phone services. These services are provided by TDS Telecom.

AI Analysis | Feedback

  • Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC)
  • Nokia Corporation (NYSE: NOK)
  • Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL)
  • Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (KRX: 005930)
  • Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL)
  • Lenovo Group Limited (HKEX: 0992)
  • Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO)
  • Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX)
  • ADTRAN Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTN)
  • Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW)

AI Analysis | Feedback

Walter C. D. Carlson President and Chief Executive Officer

Walter C. D. Carlson was appointed President and CEO of Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) effective February 1, 2025. He has served on the TDS Board since 1981 and held the position of non-executive Chair from 2002 to 2025. Prior to his current role, Carlson had a 44-year career at Sidley Austin LLP, where he was a partner for 37 years and served on its Executive Committee from 2002 to 2018.

Vicki L. Villacrez Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Vicki L. Villacrez is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for TDS, Inc., a role she has held since 2023. She possesses over thirty years of leadership experience within the telecommunications industry at the TDS enterprise, having joined the parent company in 1989 as an internal auditor. Villacrez has held various finance leadership positions with increasing responsibility, including Senior Vice President of Finance and CFO for TDS Telecom from 2017 to February 2022, and Vice President of Finance and CFO for TDS Telecom since 2012. Before joining TDS, she held finance positions with Verex Corporation, a subsidiary of The Greyhound Corporation.

James W. Butman President and Chief Executive Officer, TDS Telecom

James W. Butman joined TDS Telecom in 1985 and was appointed President and CEO in 2018. During his extensive tenure, he has held numerous leadership positions, including Chief Operating Officer and Group President of Marketing, Sales & Customer Operations for TDS Telecom. He also served as president of USLink, TDS Telecom's long-distance operation, and as president of TDS Metrocom, which grew into a $250 million business under his leadership.

Douglas W. Chambers Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Array Digital Infrastructure

Douglas W. Chambers will serve as interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Array Digital Infrastructure, a TDS subsidiary, effective upon the closing of the sale of UScellular's wireless operations (expected August 1, 2025). Prior to this, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer for UScellular for six years. Chambers has been with the TDS family of companies for over 17 years, having joined in 2007. Before his time at TDS, he held management positions at Midway Games and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Anita J. Kroll Controller; Chief Accounting Officer; Vice President

Anita J. Kroll is the Controller, Chief Accounting Officer, and Vice President of TDS, positions she has held since 2019. She joined TDS in 2011, initially serving as Director of accounting and reporting. Before joining TDS, Kroll was the Vice President of Finance for Spring Windows Fashions and Senior Vice President of accounting for Clear Channel Outdoor.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) faces several key business risks, primarily stemming from the highly competitive and rapidly evolving telecommunications industry, its financial leverage, and regulatory challenges.
  1. Intense Competition and Rapid Technological Advancements: TDS operates in a telecommunications market characterized by fierce competition and continuous technological evolution. Advances in technology can alter the demand for tower space by wireless companies and enable high-speed wireless networks, which, while an opportunity for TDS's wireless segment, pose a significant risk to its wireline and cable businesses as customers may switch to wireless broadband alternatives. Additionally, the emergence of fixed-mobile bundled services presents a competitive threat. TDS also faces the challenge of a lack of scale when compared to larger competitors, which could hinder its ability to achieve sustainable, profitable growth. The company must invest heavily in new technologies, such as fiber deployment, but these investments are capital-intensive and carry the risk that unproven technologies may not yield the anticipated benefits.
  2. High Debt Load and Capital Intensity: TDS carries a significant debt load, with net debt reported at US$3.03 billion as of March 2022. Concerns have been raised regarding its low interest coverage ratio, which indicates that the cost of borrowing is negatively affecting shareholder returns. The company has also experienced substantial cash burn in recent years, making its reliance on debt riskier. This financial leverage could impact TDS's ability to fund essential capital expenditures for network construction, quality improvements, and the expansion of its fiber infrastructure, which are crucial for maintaining competitiveness and supporting increased demand for data services. The ability to manage indebtedness and comply with debt covenants is a continuous challenge.
  3. Regulatory and Spectrum Challenges: A critical risk for TDS is its ability to secure and maintain access to adequate radio spectrum capacity. Sufficient spectrum is essential for meeting current and future demand for data services and for deploying next-generation technologies. Any failure to obtain necessary spectrum, whether through FCC auctions or other transactions, could adversely affect its wireless business. Furthermore, changes in the state and federal regulatory environment, including modifications to regulatory support or the ability to pass through certain regulatory fees to customers, can significantly impact TDS's operational costs and profitability.

AI Analysis | Feedback

  • Aggressive expansion of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services by national carriers (T-Mobile, Verizon) directly challenging both UScellular's wireless internet offerings and TDS Telecom's wireline internet services in its core rural and suburban markets.
  • Growing adoption and improving capabilities of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet services (e.g., Starlink) providing a viable high-speed internet alternative in rural and underserved areas, directly competing with TDS Telecom's fiber expansion efforts and UScellular's service footprint.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here are the addressable market sizes for Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) main products and services in the U.S. region:

Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) provides a range of telecommunications services through its subsidiaries, UScellular and TDS Telecom, as well as tower leasing through Array Digital Infrastructure. The addressable markets for their main products and services in the U.S. are as follows:

  • Wireless Services (UScellular): The U.S. 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) market, which leverages cellular networks to deliver high-speed internet, was valued at USD 12,052.98 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 135,361.56 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 35.23% from 2026 to 2032. Another estimate places the U.S. 5G FWA market size at USD 16.35 billion in 2025, projected to be approximately USD 343.18 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 40.22% from 2025 to 2034.
  • Broadband Services (TDS Telecom - Fiber, Cable, Fixed Wireless): The overall USA Internet Service Providers (ISP) Market was valued at approximately USD 139.8 billion in 2023. The U.S. broadband space generated $111.73 billion in total revenue in 2022. The global broadband services market size was valued at USD 497.47 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 1062.73 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 8.8% during the forecast period (2025-2033).
    • Fiber Optics: The U.S. fiber-optic cable market was valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 5.3 billion in 2032, at a CAGR of 8.3% during 2025–2032. Other data indicates the U.S. fiber optics market reached USD 3.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 7.8 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.8% from 2025-2033.
  • TV and Voice Services (TDS Telecom):
    • Cable TV: The U.S. broadcasting and cable TV market generated a revenue of USD 125,327.9 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 142,630.4 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 2.2% from 2025 to 2030. Another source states the U.S. Broadcasting and Cable TV Market size was valued at over USD 127.53 billion in 2025 and is poised to surpass USD 155.46 billion by 2035, growing at a 2% CAGR during 2026-2035.
    • Pay TV: The United States pay TV market size was valued at USD 69,366.56 million in 2024 and is expected to decline to USD 57,834.21 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of -2.0% during the forecast period (2025-2033).
    • Specific market size for "voice services" alone is often integrated into broader telecommunications or broadband market analyses and is not distinctly segmented in the provided data.
  • Hosted and Managed Services (TDS Telecom): The U.S. managed services market size was valued at USD 69.9 billion in 2024. It is projected to reach USD 171.7 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.5% from 2025-2033. Another report indicates the U.S. managed services market generated USD 88,129.3 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 183,465.0 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 13.3% from 2025 to 2030.
  • Telecom Tower Leasing (Array Digital Infrastructure): The U.S. Telecom Towers Market was valued at USD 40 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 54.43 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6% from 2026 to 2032. Another source values the United States Telecom Towers Market at approximately USD 40–44 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. The Cell Site Operation and Leasing industry in the United States is forecast to have grown at a CAGR of 3.5% to $61.6 billion, boosted by a 4.1% surge in 2025.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Here are 3-5 expected drivers of future revenue growth for Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) over the next 2-3 years:

  1. Fiber Expansion and Penetration: TDS Telecom is aggressively expanding its fiber optic network. The company aims to increase its marketable fiber service addresses to 1.8 million, a 50% increase from its previous goal, and intends for 80% of its total addresses to be served by fiber, up from 52% at the end of 2024. In 2025, TDS Telecom plans to deliver approximately 150,000 new marketable fiber service addresses and focus on growing broadband net additions and revenues within these fiber footprints. By Q3 2025, TDS Telecom reached a milestone of 1 million fiber addresses.
  2. Growth in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): UScellular, a subsidiary of TDS, is experiencing significant growth in its Fixed Wireless Access offerings. The company saw its fixed wireless customers increase by 46% to 114,000 by year-end 2023 and further grew to 140,000 in Q3 2024. By February 2025, UScellular surpassed 150,000 Home and Business Internet customers and expects to cover over 3 million households with 5G mid-band in 2025, enabling faster and more reliable internet services. Management projects the total market opportunity for this business to be around 400,000 subscribers.
  3. Increased Tower Leasing Revenue: TDS's tower leasing business, now operating as Array Digital Infrastructure, is positioned for growth. UScellular's tower rental revenues grew 8% to $100 million in 2023, and the company is actively seeking third-party colocations on its towers. The transition of Array Digital Infrastructure into a standalone tower company is aimed at capitalizing on infrastructure growth. Additionally, the sale of wireless operations to T-Mobile has already resulted in a 68% increase in site rental revenues. The anticipated closure of a spectrum transaction with AT&T in late 2025 or early 2026 could further enhance TDS's market position.
  4. Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) and Price Increases: Both TDS Telecom and UScellular have shown an ability to increase Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) through price adjustments and customer uptake of higher-tier plans. TDS Telecom's average residential revenue per connection increased, primarily due to price increases. UScellular also reported a 2% growth in postpaid ARPU in 2023 and Q3 2024. This indicates a strategy to drive revenue growth by optimizing pricing and encouraging customers to adopt more premium services.
  5. Launch and Expansion of TDS Mobile: TDS Telecom launched its MVNO product, TDS Mobile, in limited markets in 2024 and plans for a full rollout across its footprint in 2025. This new mobile service offers an additional revenue stream and can further integrate with existing broadband offerings, potentially enhancing customer loyalty and expanding the company's service portfolio.

AI Analysis | Feedback

Share Repurchases

  • Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) authorized a new $500 million share repurchase program, which is additive to existing authorizations.
  • TDS repurchased 1,077,564 shares for $40.7 million during the third quarter of 2025.

Inbound Investments

  • Array (formerly UScellular), a subsidiary of TDS, completed the sale of its wireless operations and select spectrum assets to T-Mobile for a total consideration of $4.3 billion in August 2025.
  • This transaction resulted in a $1.6 billion special dividend received by TDS from Array in August 2025.
  • Array anticipates additional gross proceeds of $2.0 billion from pending spectrum sales to AT&T and Verizon.

Capital Expenditures

  • TDS Telecom's capital expenditures for 2025 are projected to be between $375 million and $425 million.
  • Over 80% of the 2025 capital expenditures are focused on fiber expansion.
  • TDS Telecom aims to deliver 150,000 fiber service addresses in 2025, increasing from 129,000 in 2024, with a long-term goal of 1.8 million marketable fiber service addresses.

Better Bets than Telephone and Data Systems (TDS)

Trade Ideas

Select ideas related to TDS. For more, see Trefis Trade Ideas.

Unique KeyDateTickerCompanyCategoryTrade Strategy6M Fwd Rtn12M Fwd Rtn12M Max DD
PINS_11302025_Monopoly_xInd_xCD_Getting_Cheaper11302025PINSPinterestMonopolyMY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S Decline
Large cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple
0.1%0.1%-1.4%
TMUS_11212025_Monopoly_xInd_xCD_Getting_Cheaper11212025TMUST-Mobile USMonopolyMY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S Decline
Large cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple
-3.6%-3.6%-6.4%
Z_11212025_Monopoly_xInd_xCD_Getting_Cheaper11212025ZZillowMonopolyMY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S Decline
Large cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple
-1.9%-1.9%-5.1%
IRDM_11072025_Dip_Buyer_High_CFO_Margins_ExInd_DE11072025IRDMIridium CommunicationsDip BuyDB | CFO/Rev | Low D/EDip Buy with High Cash Flow Margins
Buying dips for companies with significant cash flows from operations and reasonable debt / market cap
3.4%3.4%-5.6%
TTD_10032025_Dip_Buyer_High_CFO_Margins_ExInd_DE10032025TTDTrade DeskDip BuyDB | CFO/Rev | Low D/EDip Buy with High Cash Flow Margins
Buying dips for companies with significant cash flows from operations and reasonable debt / market cap
-25.7%-25.7%-29.8%

Recent Active Movers

More From Trefis

Peer Comparisons for Telephone and Data Systems

Peers to compare with:

Financials

TDSHPQHPEIBMCSCOAAPLMedian
NameTelephon.HP Hewlett .Internat.Cisco Sy.Apple  
Mkt Price40.2523.2624.49305.0978.16273.4059.20
Mkt Cap4.721.932.6284.9309.24,074.4158.8
Rev LTM6,61155,29534,29665,40257,696408,62556,496
Op Inc LTM2913,6241,64411,54412,991130,2147,584
FCF LTM-1262,80062711,85412,73396,1847,327
FCF 3Y Avg-632,9781,40011,75313,879100,5037,366
CFO LTM7823,6972,91913,48313,744108,5658,590
CFO 3Y Avg1,0373,6723,89613,49814,736111,5598,697

Growth & Margins

TDSHPQHPEIBMCSCOAAPLMedian
NameTelephon.HP Hewlett .Internat.Cisco Sy.Apple  
Rev Chg LTM59.7%3.2%13.8%4.5%8.9%6.0%7.4%
Rev Chg 3Y Avg11.7%-3.9%6.5%2.6%3.7%1.8%3.2%
Rev Chg Q-5.8%4.2%14.4%9.1%7.5%9.6%8.3%
QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM-0.3%1.1%3.7%2.1%1.8%2.1%2.0%
Op Mgn LTM4.4%6.6%4.8%17.7%22.5%31.9%12.1%
Op Mgn 3Y Avg3.3%7.4%7.2%16.4%24.2%30.8%11.9%
QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM0.1%-0.2%-1.4%0.6%0.4%0.1%0.1%
CFO/Rev LTM11.8%6.7%8.5%20.6%23.8%26.6%16.2%
CFO/Rev 3Y Avg20.8%6.8%12.7%21.4%26.1%28.4%21.1%
FCF/Rev LTM-1.9%5.1%1.8%18.1%22.1%23.5%11.6%
FCF/Rev 3Y Avg-0.9%5.5%4.6%18.6%24.6%25.6%12.1%

Valuation

TDSHPQHPEIBMCSCOAAPLMedian
NameTelephon.HP Hewlett .Internat.Cisco Sy.Apple  
Mkt Cap4.721.932.6284.9309.24,074.4158.8
P/S0.70.41.04.45.410.02.7
P/EBIT8.66.819.925.122.531.321.2
P/E-81.78.6572.736.029.941.033.0
P/CFO6.05.911.221.122.537.516.2
Total Yield0.6%14.1%2.3%5.0%5.4%2.8%3.9%
Dividend Yield1.9%2.5%2.1%2.2%2.1%0.4%2.1%
FCF Yield 3Y Avg-2.2%10.6%5.5%6.4%6.0%3.1%5.7%
D/E0.30.50.70.20.10.00.3
Net D/E0.10.30.60.20.00.00.1

Returns

TDSHPQHPEIBMCSCOAAPLMedian
NameTelephon.HP Hewlett .Internat.Cisco Sy.Apple  
1M Rtn1.4%-1.8%14.4%0.6%2.7%-1.5%1.0%
3M Rtn7.4%-11.9%2.7%7.9%17.0%7.1%7.3%
6M Rtn17.6%-4.0%34.5%6.6%15.2%36.3%16.4%
12M Rtn16.0%-27.0%16.2%40.5%34.5%7.5%16.1%
3Y Rtn316.1%-1.9%71.1%143.1%81.3%120.2%100.7%
1M Excs Rtn0.3%-5.6%12.9%-2.2%-0.0%-3.7%-1.1%
3M Excs Rtn3.1%-16.2%-1.7%3.6%12.7%2.8%3.0%
6M Excs Rtn5.3%-16.3%22.3%-5.7%3.0%24.0%4.1%
12M Excs Rtn4.0%-42.9%-0.7%25.0%19.9%-8.4%1.6%
3Y Excs Rtn249.5%-83.5%-11.2%59.6%-1.2%28.4%13.6%

Financials

Segment Financials

Revenue by Segment
$ Mil20242023202220212020
United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular) Wireless3,805    
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc (TDS) Telecom1,0281,0201,006976930
All Other revenues230    
United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular) Towers228    
Elimination of intersegment revenues-131    
Corporate, Eliminations and Other 224201212224
United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular) 4,1694,1224,0374,022
Total5,1605,4135,3295,2255,176


Assets by Segment
$ Mil20242023202220212020
United States Cellular Corporation (UScellular)10,75011,11910,3419,6818,164
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc (TDS) Telecom2,8643,0562,6452,3592,196
Corporate, Eliminations and Other307375507485421
Total13,92114,55013,49312,52510,781


Price Behavior

Price Behavior
Market Price$40.25 
Market Cap ($ Bil)4.7 
First Trading Date09/18/1991 
Distance from 52W High-1.0% 
   50 Days200 Days
DMA Price$38.79$37.36
DMA Trendindeterminateindeterminate
Distance from DMA3.8%7.7%
 3M1YR
Volatility23.5%34.4%
Downside Capture103.4897.35
Upside Capture116.9796.90
Correlation (SPY)50.2%43.7%
TDS Betas & Captures as of 11/30/2025

 1M2M3M6M1Y3Y
Beta1.020.940.881.070.760.76
Up Beta1.060.910.820.400.360.35
Down Beta0.701.151.071.131.111.28
Up Capture138%86%66%128%90%111%
Bmk +ve Days13263974142427
Stock +ve Days10243468137392
Down Capture88%85%91%125%93%86%
Bmk -ve Days7162452107323
Stock -ve Days10182958112353

[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
 Comparison of TDS With Other Asset Classes (Last 1Y)
 TDSSector ETFEquityGoldCommoditiesReal EstateBitcoin
Annualized Return18.9%21.8%17.8%72.1%8.6%4.4%-8.2%
Annualized Volatility34.2%18.5%19.4%19.3%15.2%17.0%35.0%
Sharpe Ratio0.550.920.722.700.340.09-0.08
Correlation With Other Assets 40.7%43.7%5.7%9.5%31.2%24.6%

ETFs used for asset classes: Sector ETF = XLC, Equity = SPY, Gold = GLD, Commodities = DBC, Real Estate = VNQ, and Bitcoin = BTCUSD
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 5-Year Data
 Comparison of TDS With Other Asset Classes (Last 5Y)
 TDSSector ETFEquityGoldCommoditiesReal EstateBitcoin
Annualized Return20.6%13.0%14.7%18.7%11.5%4.6%30.8%
Annualized Volatility62.9%20.9%17.1%15.5%18.7%18.9%48.6%
Sharpe Ratio0.510.530.700.970.500.160.57
Correlation With Other Assets 17.8%18.4%6.7%5.0%21.1%10.2%

ETFs used for asset classes: Sector ETF = XLC, Equity = SPY, Gold = GLD, Commodities = DBC, Real Estate = VNQ, and Bitcoin = BTCUSD
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Based On 10-Year Data
 Comparison of TDS With Other Asset Classes (Last 10Y)
 TDSSector ETFEquityGoldCommoditiesReal EstateBitcoin
Annualized Return7.5%13.2%14.8%15.3%7.0%5.3%69.2%
Annualized Volatility51.9%22.6%18.0%14.7%17.6%20.8%55.8%
Sharpe Ratio0.320.540.710.860.320.220.90
Correlation With Other Assets 26.3%30.1%1.8%12.7%28.1%7.0%

ETFs used for asset classes: Sector ETF = XLC, Equity = SPY, Gold = GLD, Commodities = DBC, Real Estate = VNQ, and Bitcoin = BTCUSD
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How

Short Interest

Short Interest: As Of Date12152025
Short Interest: Shares Quantity5,485,783
Short Interest: % Change Since 11302025-5.4%
Average Daily Volume981,671
Days-to-Cover Short Interest5.59
Basic Shares Quantity116,126,000
Short % of Basic Shares4.7%

Earnings Returns History

Expand for More
 Forward Returns
Earnings Date1D Returns5D Returns21D Returns
11/7/2025-2.1%0.5%-1.6%
8/11/2025-0.2%-0.6%-0.5%
5/2/2025-8.8%-9.8%-8.3%
2/21/2025-4.2%-10.4%-7.0%
11/1/2024-7.6%9.1%13.6%
7/16/20240.4%-4.9%-6.8%
5/3/2024-11.4%21.4%39.0%
2/16/2024-23.9%-23.9%-15.3%
...
SUMMARY STATS   
# Positive61111
# Negative181313
Median Positive12.2%9.1%8.1%
Median Negative-5.9%-10.4%-8.3%
Max Positive87.8%118.1%171.0%
Max Negative-25.9%-27.6%-38.1%

SEC Filings

Expand for More
Report DateFiling DateFiling
93020251107202510-Q 9/30/2025
6302025811202510-Q 6/30/2025
3312025502202510-Q 3/31/2025
12312024221202510-K 12/31/2024
93020241101202410-Q 9/30/2024
6302024802202410-Q 6/30/2024
3312024503202410-Q 3/31/2024
12312023216202410-K 12/31/2023
93020231103202310-Q 9/30/2023
6302023804202310-Q 6/30/2023
3312023504202310-Q 3/31/2023
12312022216202310-K 12/31/2022
93020221103202210-Q 9/30/2022
6302022804202210-Q 6/30/2022
3312022506202210-Q 3/31/2022
12312021217202210-K 12/31/2021