Telephone and Data Systems reported mixed third quarter 2026 results, characterized by a significant earnings beat and continued momentum in its fiber transition. While total operating revenue of $306.7 million slightly missed the $309.14 million analyst estimate, diluted EPS from continuing operations of $0.26 substantially exceeded the $0.11 forecast. The company demonstrated strong execution in its fiber-to-the-home strategy, delivering 16,700 residential fiber net additions and expanding its footprint by approximately 76,000 addresses.
Key Highlights
- Residential fiber net additions reached 16,700 in the quarter, an acceleration from the 15,100 reported in the second quarter of 2026.
- TDS repurchased approximately 6 million common shares during the quarter at an average price of $36.65, returning $219 million to shareholders following the withdrawal of the Array minority acquisition proposal.
- TDS Telecom updated its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to $990 million–$1,010 million while raising capital expenditure guidance to approximately $750 million to support network expansion.
- The Array segment reported 14% year-over-year growth in site rental revenues and received regulatory approval for its remaining spectrum license sales to T-Mobile.