Health score, competitive moat, risk signals, and key metrics at a glance.
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a telecommunications company, provides communications services to residential, commercial, and wholesale customers in the United States. It operates through two segments: TDS Telecom and Array. The company offers internet connections and all-home Wi-Fi services, fiber internet, security, and support services; advanced home TV entertainment combined with a digital video recording (DVR) services; TDS TV+, an integrated cloud TV platform that combines linear and on-demand programming, mobile device interfaces, personalized recommendations, and network-based DVR; digital television; local and long-distance telephone service, voice over internet protocol, and enhanced services; wireless services to customers; broadband, IP-based services, and hosted voice and video collaboration services to small- and medium-sized businesses; carrying data and voice traffic services; wholesale services; and communication services in underserved areas. The company is also leases tower spaces to tenants; provides ancillary services. 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 headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
Competitive analysis based on 62 quarters of fundamental data
Operating margins are under pressure, averaging 4.7%. The business may lack pricing power or face rising costs.'
ROE is low or negative, suggesting limited competitive advantage or capital allocation challenges.
Data-driven red flags and warnings across 62 quarters
The company posted negative operating margins in recent quarters — core operations are unprofitable.
Free cash flow has been negative in 4 of the last 8 quarters — earnings are not translating to cash.
D/E ratio is 0.1 — conservative capital structure with low financial risk.
TTM revenue has contracted 48.3% — significant decline indicating deteriorating demand.
4 of the last 8 quarters had negative FCF — inconsistent cash generation raises sustainability concerns.
Share count is stable — no significant dilution or buyback activity.
as of March 2026
Revenue, EBITDA, operating income, net income, EPS, and shares
Gross, EBITDA, operating, and net margin trends
P/E, P/S, P/B, EV/EBITDA, FCF yield, and earnings yield
Total assets, cash, debt, book value, and leverage
Operating cash flow, free cash flow, FCF margin, and earnings quality
Only 4 of the last 8 quarters had positive FCF — the business may require external capital to sustain operations.
Revenue has been flat or declining over recent quarters, which may indicate eroding demand or competitive pressure.
