TDS

Based on Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.'s historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.

What does Telephone and Data Systems do?

TDS provides wireless services through its UScellular segment and broadband, television, and voice services through TDS Telecom. It serves consumers, businesses, and government customers across the United States, offering devices, IoT solutions, and cloud-based TV alongside traditional connectivity products.

Does TDS pay dividends?

Yes, TDS pays a regular dividend. However, given its Weak Quality and Growth pillar ratings, investors should review whether underlying cash flows adequately support the payout. Income-focused investors should examine the full financial picture before relying on the dividend as a stable income source.

When does TDS report earnings?

TDS reports on a quarterly cadence, as is standard for US-listed companies. For confirmed dates and the most recent results, visit the investor relations section of the Telephone and Data Systems website directly.

Is TDS a good stock to buy?

UQS Score rates TDS as Poor, reflecting Weak readings across Quality, Moat, and Growth, paired with an Elevated Valuation. That combination suggests limited reward relative to risk at current levels. The full pillar breakdown is available to Pro members for a deeper view.

Is TDS overvalued?

TDS carries an Elevated Valuation rating within the UQS framework, meaning its current price does not appear to offer a meaningful discount relative to its fundamental quality. When paired with Weak Growth and Moat ratings, the risk-reward balance looks unfavorable based on the UQS composite.

How does TDS compare to its competitors?

TDS operates as a US regional telecom, which puts it in a different competitive position than satellite specialists like Iridium or dominant home-market leaders like PLDT. Larger national US carriers add further pressure. TDS's Weak Moat rating reflects the difficulty of differentiating in this crowded landscape.

What is TDS's market cap bracket?

TDS is classified as a mid-cap company. Mid-cap telecoms often face the challenge of competing with mega-cap national carriers while lacking the cost advantages of scale, a dynamic that is reflected in TDS's Weak Quality and Moat pillar ratings.

Who founded Telephone and Data Systems?

TDS was founded in 1981. Founding history and leadership background are widely documented in the company's public filings and on its official corporate website for those seeking detailed historical context.

Is TDS a long-term quality investment?

As a long-term quality indicator, TDS scores poorly. Weak ratings across Quality, Moat, and Growth suggest the business has not demonstrated the durable competitive advantages or earnings consistency that typically support long-term compounding. Pro members can access the full analysis to assess whether any pillar shows improvement over time.

What is the main competitive advantage of Telephone and Data Systems?

TDS's regional focus allows it to serve markets that larger national carriers may underserve, particularly in rural broadband through TDS Telecom's fiber expansion. However, the UQS Moat pillar rates this advantage as Weak, indicating it has not translated into durable pricing power or superior returns.

What sector does TDS belong to?

TDS belongs to the Communication Services sector. This sector includes wireless carriers, broadband providers, and media companies. Within the sector, TDS competes as a regional player against both national giants and specialized niche operators.

Is TDS a growth stock or value stock?

Based on UQS pillar labels, TDS does not fit neatly into either category. Its Growth pillar is rated Weak, ruling out a growth classification, while its Valuation pillar is Elevated rather than Attractive, which undermines a value case as well.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. currently shows below-average quality metrics, suggesting challenges with profitability.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. faces growth headwinds with declining or stagnant revenue trends.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. carries minimal financial risk with conservative leverage and strong solvency.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. trades at a reasonable valuation with decent earnings yield and FCF multiples.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. operates in a highly competitive environment with limited sustainable advantages. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for TDS.

The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.

Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.

Moat (25%) assesses Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.'s competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.

Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.

Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.

Valuation (15%) measures whether Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.

Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.