Telephone and Data Systems Management
Management criteria checks 3/4
Telephone and Data Systems' CEO is Walter Carlson, appointed in Feb 2025, has a tenure of 1.25 years. total yearly compensation is $8.01M, comprised of 9.2% salary and 90.8% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.22% of the company’s shares, worth $9.85M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 1.3 years and 13.5 years respectively.
Key information
Walter Carlson
Chief executive officer
US$8.0m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 9.18% |
| CEO tenure | 1.3yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.2% |
| Management average tenure | 1.3yrs |
| Board average tenure | 13.5yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Apr 27
TDS: Q4 Execution And 2026 Outlook Will Drive Future Upside
Analysts recently lifted their price target on Telephone and Data Systems to $56 from $51, citing updated models following the latest Q4 results and the company's 2026 outlook. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts see the higher US$56 price target as reflecting updated forecasts that they view as better aligned with the latest Q4 results and 2026 outlook.Narrative Update • Apr 13
TDS: Future Upside Will Rely On Executing Q4-Informed 2026 Outlook
Analysts have raised their price target on Telephone and Data Systems to $56 from $51, citing updated models that factor in the latest Q4 results and the company’s 2026 outlook. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts see the higher US$56 price target as reflecting updated assumptions after the Q4 report and the 2026 outlook, suggesting they view current execution as supportive of that valuation framework.Narrative Update • Mar 29
TDS: Future Upside Will Depend On Executing Tower-Focused 2026 Outlook
Narrative update on Telephone and Data Systems Analysts have lifted their price target on Telephone and Data Systems to $56 from $45, citing updated models after the Q4 report, a refreshed 2026 outlook, and a more positive view of the tower business. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates give you a clearer sense of how analysts are thinking about Telephone and Data Systems after the Q4 report and refreshed 2026 outlook.Narrative Update • Mar 11
TDS: Future Upside Will Hinge On Executing Tower-Led 2026 Outlook
Analysts increased their price target on Telephone and Data Systems by $5 to $56 after the Q4 report, citing updated models and a more optimistic view of the tower business and the 2026 outlook. Analyst Commentary Recent research updates focus on how the Q4 report and the 2026 outlook feed into valuation and execution for Telephone and Data Systems, with particular attention on the tower business and long term growth assumptions.Narrative Update • Feb 25
TDS: Future Upside Will Rely On Executing Refreshed 2026 Outlook
Analysts have lifted their price target on Telephone and Data Systems by $3.67 to $52.33, citing refreshed models after the Q4 report, an updated 2026 outlook, and a more upbeat view on the tower business. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts are lifting targets into the low to mid US$50s, which signals greater confidence in how the updated Q4 figures and 2026 outlook feed into their valuation work.Narrative Update • Dec 27
TDS: Future Upside Will Depend On Completing Pending Spectrum Divestitures
Analysts modestly raised their price target on Telephone and Data Systems to about $48.67, citing the company’s ongoing transformation efforts, including the sale of its wireless operations and spectrum divestitures, as key drivers of potential additional shareholder value. Analyst Commentary Analysts highlight that the renewed coverage and updated price target reflect growing confidence in Telephone and Data Systems’ ability to execute its strategic transformation, while also underscoring several execution and valuation risks that could limit upside if not addressed.Narrative Update • Dec 13
TDS: Future Gains Will Hinge On Completing Pending Spectrum Sales
Analysts increased their price target on Telephone and Data Systems to $48.67 per share from $45.00, citing the company’s strategic transformation through the sale of its wireless operations and spectrum assets, as well as the potential for further value creation once pending spectrum transactions are completed. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts highlight that the completed sale of wireless operations to T Mobile simplifies the business model and allows management to focus capital on higher return segments, supporting a higher valuation multiple.Seeking Alpha • Dec 09
Telephone And Data Systems Preferreds Offer Highest Investment Grade Yield
Summary Telephone and Data Systems' tickers TDS-U (TDS.PR.U) and TDS-V (TDS.PR.V) have, by far, the highest “qualified dividend” yield of any preferred stock in the market from an investment grade company. TDS carries a huge amount of cash on its balance sheet, many times more than its debt, so the preferred stocks are ultra safe. For U.S. investors, the TDS preferred’s high “qualified dividends” generate a very high after-tax yield comparable to a 10.2% bond for those in the higher tax brackets. If TDS preferred stocks traded at their fair value yield, they would trade $3.70 higher than their current prices. That is a huge undervaluation for a preferred stock. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Nov 28
TDS: Future Value Will Depend On Completion Of Pending Spectrum Sales
Analysts have lowered their price target for Telephone and Data Systems from $52 to approximately $48.67. They cite the company's strategic asset sales and potential for further value creation as key factors behind the updated outlook.Analysis Article • Nov 14
Telephone and Data Systems' (NYSE:TDS) Earnings Are Weaker Than They Seem
Despite posting some strong earnings, the market for Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.'s ( NYSE:TDS ) stock hasn't moved...Analysis Article • Oct 06
Returns On Capital Signal Tricky Times Ahead For Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE:TDS)
Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key...Analysis Article • Jul 24
These 4 Measures Indicate That Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE:TDS) Is Using Debt In A Risky Way
Warren Buffett famously said, 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' When we think about how risky a company...Analysis Article • Jun 27
Some Shareholders Feeling Restless Over Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.'s (NYSE:TDS) P/S Ratio
It's not a stretch to say that Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.'s ( NYSE:TDS ) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.8x...Analysis Article • May 31
Investors Could Be Concerned With Telephone and Data Systems' (NYSE:TDS) Returns On Capital
If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for...Analysis Article • Apr 19
Does Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE:TDS) Have A Healthy Balance Sheet?
The external fund manager backed by Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger, Li Lu, makes no bones about it when he says...Analysis Article • Mar 23
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.'s (NYSE:TDS) Price Is Out Of Tune With Revenues
There wouldn't be many who think Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.'s ( NYSE:TDS ) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of...
New Narrative • Mar 21
Cash From Wireless Sale Will Fund Fiber Expansion And Optimize Capital Structure
Strategic transactions, including selling its wireless business, are expected to inject cash, optimize capital structure, and benefit earnings and cash flow.Seeking Alpha • Mar 20
U.S. Cellular And Telephone and Data Systems: Why The Preferreds Are Still A Buy
Summary Telephone and Data System's asset sales to TMUS, Verizon, and AT&T will transform its balance sheet, with TMUS assuming $2 billion of USM's debt. TDS preferreds, particularly its VV series, offer a significant 28% discount to liquidation value and an 8.3% yield on cost. The company still owns 4,409 towers and 30% of its spectrum assets. The $4.4 billion TMUS deal is set to close in 2025. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Feb 24
Returns On Capital At Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE:TDS) Paint A Concerning Picture
There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. Firstly, we'll want to see a...Seeking Alpha • Feb 04
Telephone and Data Systems Q4 Earnings Preview: Not Expecting Any Surprises
Summary I am lowering my rating for Telephone and Data Systems stock from buy to hold, as the stock is now fairly valued with balanced upside and downside risk. The primary focus is on the US Cellular sale to T-Mobile, which could significantly impact TDS's valuation and shareholder returns. TDS's Q4 2024 earnings are expected to show sequentially improved EPS and revenue, with no major surprises anticipated. Regulatory concerns about the US Cellular sale are mitigated by evidence suggesting the deal is not anti-competitive, reducing downside risk. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Jan 09
Is Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE:TDS) Using Too Much Debt?
The external fund manager backed by Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger, Li Lu, makes no bones about it when he says...Analysis Article • Dec 22
At US$34.01, Is It Time To Put Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE:TDS) On Your Watch List?
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. ( NYSE:TDS ), is not the largest company out there, but it led the NYSE gainers with a...Analysis Article • Dec 04
Subdued Growth No Barrier To Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE:TDS) With Shares Advancing 25%
Despite an already strong run, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. ( NYSE:TDS ) shares have been powering on, with a gain...Analysis Article • Nov 24
Returns At Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE:TDS) Appear To Be Weighed Down
What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? One common...Analysis Article • Oct 19
Subdued Growth No Barrier To Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE:TDS) With Shares Advancing 25%
Despite an already strong run, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. ( NYSE:TDS ) shares have been powering on, with a gain...Analysis Article • Sep 29
Does Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE:TDS) Have A Healthy Balance Sheet?
Legendary fund manager Li Lu (who Charlie Munger backed) once said, 'The biggest investment risk is not the volatility...Seeking Alpha • Sep 17
U.S. Cellular And Telephone and Data Systems: Preferreds Are Still Discounted
Summary Telephone and Data Systems preferred stock offers an 8% yield on cost for 76 cents on the dollar. The stocks are still discounted against pending asset sales, savings from a right-sized dividend, and pending Fed rate cuts. An expected surge in the company's cash position is set to reduce the risk profile of the preferreds and further boost their value in aggregate with yield compression. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaCEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$201m |
| Dec 31 2025 | US$8m | US$736k | US$48m |
| Sep 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$56m |
| Jun 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | -US$84m |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | -US$177m |
| Dec 31 2024 | US$291k | n/a | -US$141m |
| Sep 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | -US$665m |
| Jun 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | -US$582m |
| Mar 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | -US$548m |
| Dec 31 2023 | US$271k | n/a | -US$620m |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | -US$88m |
| Jun 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | -US$97m |
| Mar 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | -US$60m |
| Dec 31 2022 | US$238k | n/a | -US$7m |
| Sep 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$47m |
| Jun 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$101m |
| Mar 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$104m |
| Dec 31 2021 | US$231k | n/a | US$117m |
| Sep 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$119m |
| Jun 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$168m |
| Mar 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$214m |
| Dec 31 2020 | US$231k | n/a | US$226m |
| Sep 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$223m |
| Jun 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$164m |
| Mar 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$131m |
| Dec 31 2019 | US$228k | n/a | US$121m |
Compensation vs Market: Walter's total compensation ($USD8.01M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD7.02M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Walter's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Walter Carlson (71 yo)
1.3yrs
Tenure
US$8,008,859
Compensation
Mr. Walter Carlson serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. since February 01, 2025. He has been a Non-Independent Director of Array Digital Infrastructure, Inc....
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | 1.3yrs | US$8.01m | 0.22% $ 9.8m | |
| Executive VP | 4yrs | US$3.39m | 0.056% $ 2.5m | |
| Senior Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development | 4.9yrs | US$2.20m | 0.099% $ 4.4m | |
| President & CEO of UScellular | 6.3yrs | US$9.31m | no data | |
| President of Array & CEO of Array | less than a year | US$2.29m | 0.096% $ 4.3m | |
| Chief Accounting Officer | 8.9yrs | no data | 0.016% $ 720.4k | |
| Corporate Finance & Investor Relations Senior Manager | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP & Chief Information Officer | less than a year | no data | no data | |
| General Counsel & Assistant Secretary | no data | no data | no data | |
| Senior VP of Human Resources & Chief Human Resources Officer | 1.1yrs | no data | no data | |
| VP of Corporate Relations & Treasurer | 8yrs | no data | no data | |
| VP of Internal Audit & Corporate Secretary | 1.3yrs | no data | no data |
1.3yrs
Average Tenure
58yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: TDS's management team is not considered experienced ( 1.3 years average tenure), which suggests a new team.
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chairman | 45.3yrs | US$8.01m | 0.22% $ 9.8m | |
| Executive VP | 2.8yrs | US$3.39m | 0.056% $ 2.5m | |
| Independent Director | 7yrs | US$274.89k | 0.035% $ 1.5m | |
| Independent Lead Director | 20.3yrs | US$312.94k | 0.040% $ 1.8m | |
| Non-Independent Director | 30.3yrs | US$231.14k | 0.19% $ 8.7m | |
| Independent Director | 29.3yrs | US$273.14k | 0.067% $ 3.0m | |
| Vice Chair | 58.3yrs | US$15.64m | 4.29% $ 191.9m | |
| Director | less than a year | US$4.42m | no data | |
| Non-Independent Director | 18yrs | US$231.14k | 0.46% $ 20.6m | |
| Independent Director | 9yrs | US$282.74k | 0.038% $ 1.7m | |
| independent Director | 1.4yrs | US$190.93k | 0.0015% $ 65.8k | |
| Independent Director | 4yrs | US$251.64k | 0.011% $ 494.0k |
13.5yrs
Average Tenure
64yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: TDS's board of directors are seasoned and experienced ( 13.5 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/26 05:42 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/22 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. is covered by 9 analysts. 3 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| William Power | Baird |
| Zachary Silver | B. Riley Securities, Inc. |
| Michael Rollins | Citigroup Inc |