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TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS (TDS) Stock Fundamental Analysis

USA - New York Stock Exchange - NYSE:TDS - US8794338298 - Common Stock

38.45 USD
0 (0%)
Last: 12/12/2025, 8:04:06 PM
38.45 USD
0 (0%)
After Hours: 12/12/2025, 8:04:06 PM
Fundamental Rating

3

We assign a fundamental rating of 3 out of 10 to TDS. TDS was compared to 22 industry peers in the Wireless Telecommunication Services industry. While TDS seems to be doing ok healthwise, there are quite some concerns on its profitability. TDS is valued expensive and it does not seem to be growing.


Dividend Valuation Growth Profitability Health

2

1. Profitability

1.1 Basic Checks

TDS had negative earnings in the past year.
In the past year TDS had a positive cash flow from operations.
In multiple years TDS reported negative net income over the last 5 years.
TDS had a positive operating cash flow in each of the past 5 years.
TDS Yearly Net Income VS EBIT VS OCF VS FCFTDS Yearly Net Income VS EBIT VS OCF VS FCFYearly Net Income VS EBIT VS OCF VS FCF 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0 500M -500M 1B 1.5B

1.2 Ratios

TDS has a Return On Assets of -1.47%. This is in the lower half of the industry: TDS underperforms 77.27% of its industry peers.
Looking at the Return On Equity, with a value of -2.80%, TDS is doing worse than 72.73% of the companies in the same industry.
TDS's Return On Invested Capital of 0.43% is on the low side compared to the rest of the industry. TDS is outperformed by 77.27% of its industry peers.
The Average Return On Invested Capital over the past 3 years for TDS is significantly below the industry average of 6.45%.
Industry RankSector Rank
ROA -1.47%
ROE -2.8%
ROIC 0.43%
ROA(3y)-1.61%
ROA(5y)-0.43%
ROE(3y)-4.32%
ROE(5y)-1.26%
ROIC(3y)1%
ROIC(5y)1.36%
TDS Yearly ROA, ROE, ROICTDS Yearly ROA, ROE, ROICYearly ROA, ROE, ROIC 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0 5 -5 -10

1.3 Margins

TDS has a worse Operating Margin (1.10%) than 77.27% of its industry peers.
TDS's Operating Margin has declined in the last couple of years.
TDS has a Gross Margin of 57.76%. This is in the better half of the industry: TDS outperforms 72.73% of its industry peers.
In the last couple of years the Gross Margin of TDS has remained more or less at the same level.
Industry RankSector Rank
OM 1.1%
PM (TTM) N/A
GM 57.76%
OM growth 3Y-14.66%
OM growth 5Y-1.97%
PM growth 3YN/A
PM growth 5YN/A
GM growth 3Y2.06%
GM growth 5Y0.77%
TDS Yearly Profit, Operating, Gross MarginsTDS Yearly Profit, Operating, Gross MarginsYearly Profit, Operating, Gross Margins 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0 20 40

6

2. Health

2.1 Basic Checks

The Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is below the Cost of Capital (WACC), so TDS is destroying value.
The number of shares outstanding for TDS has been increased compared to 1 year ago.
TDS has less shares outstanding than it did 5 years ago.
The debt/assets ratio for TDS is higher compared to a year ago.
TDS Yearly Shares OutstandingTDS Yearly Shares OutstandingYearly Shares Outstanding 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 20M 40M 60M 80M 100M
TDS Yearly Total Debt VS Total AssetsTDS Yearly Total Debt VS Total AssetsYearly Total Debt VS Total Assets 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 5B 10B

2.2 Solvency

Based on the Altman-Z score of 1.41, we must say that TDS is in the distress zone and has some risk of bankruptcy.
The Altman-Z score of TDS (1.41) is better than 63.64% of its industry peers.
The Debt to FCF ratio of TDS is 2.84, which is a good value as it means it would take TDS, 2.84 years of fcf income to pay off all of its debts.
With a decent Debt to FCF ratio value of 2.84, TDS is doing good in the industry, outperforming 72.73% of the companies in the same industry.
TDS has a Debt/Equity ratio of 0.18. This is a healthy value indicating a solid balance between debt and equity.
TDS has a better Debt to Equity ratio (0.18) than 86.36% of its industry peers.
Industry RankSector Rank
Debt/Equity 0.18
Debt/FCF 2.84
Altman-Z 1.41
ROIC/WACC0.06
WACC7.36%
TDS Yearly LT Debt VS Equity VS FCFTDS Yearly LT Debt VS Equity VS FCFYearly LT Debt VS Equity VS FCF 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0 1B 2B 3B 4B 5B

2.3 Liquidity

TDS has a Current Ratio of 1.89. This is a normal value and indicates that TDS is financially healthy and should not expect problems in meeting its short term obligations.
TDS has a better Current ratio (1.89) than 100.00% of its industry peers.
A Quick Ratio of 1.88 indicates that TDS should not have too much problems paying its short term obligations.
TDS has a Quick ratio of 1.88. This is amongst the best in the industry. TDS outperforms 100.00% of its industry peers.
Industry RankSector Rank
Current Ratio 1.89
Quick Ratio 1.88
TDS Yearly Current Assets VS Current LiabilitesTDS Yearly Current Assets VS Current LiabilitesYearly Current Assets VS Current Liabilites 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 1B 2B 3B

1

3. Growth

3.1 Past

The Earnings Per Share has grown by an impressive 80.46% over the past year.
TDS shows a very negative growth in Revenue. In the last year, the Revenue has decreased by -22.79%.
TDS shows a decrease in Revenue. Measured over the last years, the Revenue has been decreasing by -0.83% yearly.
EPS 1Y (TTM)80.46%
EPS 3YN/A
EPS 5YN/A
EPS Q2Q%109.59%
Revenue 1Y (TTM)-22.79%
Revenue growth 3Y-2.34%
Revenue growth 5Y-0.83%
Sales Q2Q%-49.54%

3.2 Future

Based on estimates for the next years, TDS will show a very strong growth in Earnings Per Share. The EPS will grow by 40.07% on average per year.
The Revenue is expected to decrease by -35.74% on average over the next years. This is quite bad
EPS Next Y-4.11%
EPS Next 2Y60.98%
EPS Next 3Y40.07%
EPS Next 5YN/A
Revenue Next Year-40.27%
Revenue Next 2Y-49.25%
Revenue Next 3Y-35.74%
Revenue Next 5YN/A

3.3 Evolution

The Revenue growth rate is decreasing: in the next years the growth will be less than in the last years.
TDS Yearly Revenue VS EstimatesTDS Yearly Revenue VS EstimatesYearly Revenue VS Estimates 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 1B 2B 3B 4B 5B
TDS Yearly EPS VS EstimatesTDS Yearly EPS VS EstimatesYearly EPS VS Estimates 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 0 1 -1

2

4. Valuation

4.1 Price/Earnings Ratio

The Price/Earnings Ratio is negative for TDS. In the last year negative earnings were reported.
With a Price/Forward Earnings ratio of 75.58, TDS can be considered very expensive at the moment.
TDS's Price/Forward Earnings ratio is rather expensive when compared to the industry. TDS is more expensive than 81.82% of the companies in the same industry.
Compared to an average S&P500 Price/Forward Earnings ratio of 23.79, TDS is valued quite expensively.
Industry RankSector Rank
PE N/A
Fwd PE 75.58
TDS Price Earnings VS Forward Price EarningsTDS Price Earnings VS Forward Price Earnings ChartPrice Earnings - Forward Price Earnings PE FPE 0 -100 -200

4.2 Price Multiples

TDS's Enterprise Value to EBITDA ratio is in line with the industry average.
The rest of the industry has a similar Price/Free Cash Flow ratio as TDS.
Industry RankSector Rank
P/FCF 15.25
EV/EBITDA 7.97
TDS Per share dataTDS EPS, Sales, OCF, FCF, BookValue per sharePer Share Data Per Share 0 10 20 30

4.3 Compensation for Growth

A more expensive valuation may be justified as TDS's earnings are expected to grow with 40.07% in the coming years.
PEG (NY)N/A
PEG (5Y)N/A
EPS Next 2Y60.98%
EPS Next 3Y40.07%

3

5. Dividend

5.1 Amount

TDS has a yearly dividend return of 0.42%, which is pretty low.
Compared to an average industry Dividend Yield of 5.55, TDS is paying slightly less dividend.
With a Dividend Yield of 0.42, TDS pays less dividend than the S&P500 average, which is at 1.87.
Industry RankSector Rank
Dividend Yield 0.42%

5.2 History

The dividend of TDS is nicely growing with an annual growth rate of 6.94%!
TDS has paid a dividend for at least 10 years, which is a reliable track record.
Dividend Growth(5Y)6.94%
Div Incr Years0
Div Non Decr Years0
TDS Yearly Dividends per shareTDS Yearly Dividends per shareYearly Dividends per share 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 0.2 0.4 0.6

5.3 Sustainability

TDS has negative earnings and hence a negative payout ratio. The dividend may be in danger.
The dividend of TDS is growing, but earnings are growing more, so the dividend growth is sustainable.
DP-69.41%
EPS Next 2Y60.98%
EPS Next 3Y40.07%
TDS Yearly Income VS Free CF VS DividendTDS Yearly Income VS Free CF VS DividendYearly Income VS Free CF VS Dividend 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 0 200M -200M -400M

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS

NYSE:TDS (12/12/2025, 8:04:06 PM)

After market: 38.45 0 (0%)

38.45

0 (0%)

Chartmill FA Rating
GICS IndustryGroupTelecommunication Services
GICS IndustryWireless Telecommunication Services
Earnings (Last)11-07 2025-11-07/bmo
Earnings (Next)02-19 2026-02-19/amc
Inst Owners99.07%
Inst Owner Change3.08%
Ins Owners1%
Ins Owner Change-8.07%
Market Cap4.44B
Revenue(TTM)3.89B
Net Income(TTM)-125.06M
Analysts77.5
Price Target49.64 (29.1%)
Short Float %6.21%
Short Ratio7.17
Dividend
Industry RankSector Rank
Dividend Yield 0.42%
Yearly Dividend0.92
Dividend Growth(5Y)6.94%
DP-69.41%
Div Incr Years0
Div Non Decr Years0
Ex-Date12-15 2025-12-15 (0.04)
Surprises & Revisions
EPS beat(2)1
Avg EPS beat(2)-186.8%
Min EPS beat(2)-550.04%
Max EPS beat(2)176.44%
EPS beat(4)2
Avg EPS beat(4)-148.13%
Min EPS beat(4)-550.04%
Max EPS beat(4)176.44%
EPS beat(8)5
Avg EPS beat(8)-73.46%
EPS beat(12)5
Avg EPS beat(12)-103.71%
EPS beat(16)8
Avg EPS beat(16)-100.6%
Revenue beat(2)0
Avg Revenue beat(2)-23.78%
Min Revenue beat(2)-47.39%
Max Revenue beat(2)-0.17%
Revenue beat(4)0
Avg Revenue beat(4)-13.7%
Min Revenue beat(4)-47.39%
Max Revenue beat(4)-0.17%
Revenue beat(8)1
Avg Revenue beat(8)-7.26%
Revenue beat(12)1
Avg Revenue beat(12)-5.81%
Revenue beat(16)3
Avg Revenue beat(16)-4.31%
PT rev (1m)-2.67%
PT rev (3m)-2.67%
EPS NQ rev (1m)129.64%
EPS NQ rev (3m)129.64%
EPS NY rev (1m)-89.69%
EPS NY rev (3m)-58.3%
Revenue NQ rev (1m)-73.52%
Revenue NQ rev (3m)-73.52%
Revenue NY rev (1m)-36.89%
Revenue NY rev (3m)-36.89%
Valuation
Industry RankSector Rank
PE N/A
Fwd PE 75.58
P/S 1.14
P/FCF 15.25
P/OCF 5.68
P/B 0.99
P/tB 1.66
EV/EBITDA 7.97
EPS(TTM)-0.17
EYN/A
EPS(NY)0.51
Fwd EY1.32%
FCF(TTM)2.52
FCFY6.56%
OCF(TTM)6.77
OCFY17.62%
SpS33.67
BVpS38.68
TBVpS23.18
PEG (NY)N/A
PEG (5Y)N/A
Graham NumberN/A
Profitability
Industry RankSector Rank
ROA -1.47%
ROE -2.8%
ROCE 0.54%
ROIC 0.43%
ROICexc 0.48%
ROICexgc 0.65%
OM 1.1%
PM (TTM) N/A
GM 57.76%
FCFM 7.49%
ROA(3y)-1.61%
ROA(5y)-0.43%
ROE(3y)-4.32%
ROE(5y)-1.26%
ROIC(3y)1%
ROIC(5y)1.36%
ROICexc(3y)1.03%
ROICexc(5y)1.44%
ROICexgc(3y)1.72%
ROICexgc(5y)2.35%
ROCE(3y)1.27%
ROCE(5y)1.72%
ROICexgc growth 3Y-18.07%
ROICexgc growth 5Y-6.7%
ROICexc growth 3Y-17.3%
ROICexc growth 5Y-7.85%
OM growth 3Y-14.66%
OM growth 5Y-1.97%
PM growth 3YN/A
PM growth 5YN/A
GM growth 3Y2.06%
GM growth 5Y0.77%
F-Score8
Asset Turnover0.46
Health
Industry RankSector Rank
Debt/Equity 0.18
Debt/FCF 2.84
Debt/EBITDA 1.52
Cap/Depr 98%
Cap/Sales 12.63%
Interest Coverage 250
Cash Conversion 143.79%
Profit Quality N/A
Current Ratio 1.89
Quick Ratio 1.88
Altman-Z 1.41
F-Score8
WACC7.36%
ROIC/WACC0.06
Cap/Depr(3y)117.02%
Cap/Depr(5y)124.93%
Cap/Sales(3y)20.91%
Cap/Sales(5y)21.91%
Profit Quality(3y)N/A
Profit Quality(5y)N/A
High Growth Momentum
Growth
EPS 1Y (TTM)80.46%
EPS 3YN/A
EPS 5YN/A
EPS Q2Q%109.59%
EPS Next Y-4.11%
EPS Next 2Y60.98%
EPS Next 3Y40.07%
EPS Next 5YN/A
Revenue 1Y (TTM)-22.79%
Revenue growth 3Y-2.34%
Revenue growth 5Y-0.83%
Sales Q2Q%-49.54%
Revenue Next Year-40.27%
Revenue Next 2Y-49.25%
Revenue Next 3Y-35.74%
Revenue Next 5YN/A
EBIT growth 1Y-78.84%
EBIT growth 3Y-16.65%
EBIT growth 5Y-2.78%
EBIT Next Year3592.19%
EBIT Next 3Y193.59%
EBIT Next 5YN/A
FCF growth 1Y403.39%
FCF growth 3YN/A
FCF growth 5Y34.63%
OCF growth 1Y-33.53%
OCF growth 3Y1.25%
OCF growth 5Y2.42%

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS / TDS FAQ

What is the ChartMill fundamental rating of TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS (TDS) stock?

ChartMill assigns a fundamental rating of 3 / 10 to TDS.


What is the valuation status of TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS (TDS) stock?

ChartMill assigns a valuation rating of 2 / 10 to TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS (TDS). This can be considered as Overvalued.


Can you provide the profitability details for TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS?

TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS (TDS) has a profitability rating of 2 / 10.


What is the earnings growth outlook for TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS?

The Earnings per Share (EPS) of TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS (TDS) is expected to decline by -4.11% in the next year.


Is the dividend of TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS sustainable?

The dividend rating of TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS (TDS) is 3 / 10 and the dividend payout ratio is -69.41%.