Lumen Technologies (LUMN) vs Telephone and Data Systems (TDS)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Telephone and Data Systems (TDS) has outperformed Lumen Technologies (LUMN) over the past year, losing 13.3% versus a loss of 21.0%. Over five years, TDS leads with a +75.7% price change compared with -54.0% for LUMN. Lumen Technologies is the larger company by market cap ($5.43 billion vs $3.87 billion), about 1.4 times the size, while Telephone and Data Systems is growing revenue faster (-5.3% vs -5.4%).
Telephone and Data Systems pays a dividend yielding 0.48%, while Lumen Technologies does not currently pay one. Telephone and Data Systems converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of -0.5% versus -14.0%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | LUMN | TDS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $5.26 | $33.58 |
| Market cap | $5.43B | $3.87B |
| 1-day change | -4.82% | -1.61% |
| YTD return | -28.44% | -16.76% |
| 1-year return | -21.02% | -13.33% |
| 5-year return | -54.01% | +75.66% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | — | 8.40 |
| EPS (TTM) | $-1.02 | $4.00 |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.48% |
| Annual dividend | $0.00 | $0.16 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $12.40B | $1.23B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -5.39% | -5.30% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $-1.74B | $-6.24M |
| Gross margin | 46.48% | — |
| Operating margin | -6.55% | -7.93% |
| Net margin | -14.02% | -0.51% |
| 52-week high | $11.95 | $49.12 |
| 52-week low | $5.26 | $31.51 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -55.97% | -31.64% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | none |
| Avg. price target upside | +45.22% | +41.45% |
| Average volume | 12.70M | 1.33M |
| Shares outstanding | 1.03B | 107.57M |
| Employees | 24,000 | 4,000 |
| Sector | Telecommunications | Telecommunications |
| Industry | Telecommunications Equipment | Telecommunications Equipment |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Telephone and Data Systems is more profitable, keeping -0.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus -14.0 cents for Lumen Technologies.
About Lumen Technologies
LUMN stock →Lumen Technologies, Inc., a networking company, provides integrated products and services to business and mass customers in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Business and Mass Markets.
Telecommunications · Telecommunications Equipment · 24,000 employees
About Telephone and Data Systems
TDS stock →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.
Telecommunications · Telecommunications Equipment · 4,000 employees
LUMN vs TDS FAQ
Which is bigger, Lumen Technologies or Telephone and Data Systems?
Lumen Technologies (LUMN) is larger, with a market capitalization of $5.43B compared with $3.87B for Telephone and Data Systems (TDS).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, LUMN or TDS?
TDS returned -13.33% over the past 12 months, compared with -21.02% for LUMN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, Lumen Technologies or Telephone and Data Systems?
Telephone and Data Systems pays a dividend yielding 0.48%, while Lumen Technologies does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Lumen Technologies and Telephone and Data Systems in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Telecommunications Equipment industry within the Telecommunications sector.