UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP (AD) Stock Analysis — April 2026 Rating, Price, and Forecast
Company Overview — What Does UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP Do?
United States Cellular Corporation provides wireless telecommunications services in the United States. The company offers wireless services, including voice, messaging, and data services. It also provides devices, such as smartphones and other handsets, tablets, wearables, mobile hotspots, routers, and internet of things devices. In addition, the company offers various accessories, such as cases, screen protectors, chargers, and memory cards; and consumer electronics, including audio, home automation, and networking products; as well as offers option to purchase devices and accessories under installment contracts. Further, the company offers roaming, wireless eligible telecommunications carrier, and wireless tower rental services. It serves consumer, business, and government customers with 5.0 million connections, including 4.4 million postpaid, 0.5 million prepaid, and 0.1 million reseller and other connections in 21 states. The company provides its products and services through retail sales, direct sales, third-party national retailers, and independent agents, as well as e-commerce and telesales. The company was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. United States Cellular Corporation is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP (AD) is classified as a mid-cap stock in the Communication Services sector, specifically within the Communication industry. The company is led by CEO Laurent C. Therivel and employs approximately 4,900 people, headquartered in CHICAGO, Illinois. With a market capitalization of $4.1B, AD is one of the notable companies in the Communication Services sector.
UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP (AD) Stock Rating — Reduce (April 2026)
As of April 2026, UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP receives a Reduce rating with a composite score of 33.6/100 and 2 out of 5 stars from the Blank Capital Research quantitative model.AD ranks #2,557 out of 4,446 stocks in our coverage universe. Within the Communication Services sector, UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP ranks #81 of 134 stocks, placing it in the lower half of its Communication Services peers. The rating is generated by a multi-factor model that weighs quality (30%), momentum (25%), value (15%), investment (10%), stability (10%), and short interest (10%).
AD Stock Price and 52-Week Range
UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP (AD) currently trades at $49.44. The stock gained $0.08 (0.2%) in the most recent trading session. The 52-week high for AD is $79.17, which means the stock is currently trading -37.5% from its annual peak. The 52-week low is $44.03, putting the stock 12.3% above its annual trough. Recent trading volume was 65K shares, suggesting relatively thin trading activity.
Is AD Overvalued or Undervalued? — Valuation Analysis
UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP (AD) carries a value factor score of 35/100 in the Blank Capital model, signaling premium valuation that prices in significant future growth. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 86.60x, compared to the Communication Services sector average of 26.08x — a premium of 232%. The price-to-book ratio stands at 1.61x, versus the sector average of 1.87x. The price-to-sales ratio is 2.21x, compared to 0.55x for the average Communication Services stock.
At current multiples, UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP trades at a premium to most Communication Services peers. This elevated valuation may be justified if the company can sustain above-average growth rates and profitability, but it also creates downside risk if earnings disappoint expectations.
UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP Profitability — ROE, Margins, and Quality Score
UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP (AD) earns a quality factor score of 33/100, signaling below-average profitability metrics relative to the broader market. The return on equity (ROE) is -1.8%, compared to the Communication Services sector average of 1.0%, which is below typical expectations for high-quality companies. Return on assets (ROA) comes in at -1.0% versus the sector average of -0.0%.
On a margin basis, UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP reports gross margins of 50.5%, compared to 56.4% for the sector. The operating margin is -181.8% (sector: 0.4%). Net profit margin stands at -85.6%, versus -0.9% for the average Communication Services stock. Revenue growth is running at -94.9% on a trailing basis, compared to 3.0% for the sector. Profitability is below benchmark levels, which may reflect industry headwinds, elevated reinvestment, or structural challenges.
AD Debt, Balance Sheet, and Financial Health
UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP has a debt-to-equity ratio of 82.0%, compared to the Communication Services sector average of 82.0%. Leverage is within a manageable range for the industry, though investors should monitor debt trends over time. The current ratio is 0.72x, which may signal near-term liquidity tightness. Total debt on the balance sheet is $674M. Cash and equivalents stand at $326M.
AD has a beta of 0.54, meaning it is less volatile than the S&P 500, making it a relatively defensive holding. The stability factor score for UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP is 64/100, reflecting average volatility within the normal range for its sector.
UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP Revenue and Earnings History — Quarterly Trend
In TTM 2026, UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP reported revenue of $1.88B and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.57. Net income for the quarter was $-47M. Gross margin was 50.5%. Operating income came in at $-137M.
In FY 2025, UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP reported revenue of $163M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.57. Net income for the quarter was $69M. Gross margin was 51.2%. Revenue grew -95.7% year-over-year compared to FY 2024. Operating income came in at $-93M.
In Q3 2025, UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP reported revenue of $47M and earnings per share (EPS) of $-0.45. Net income for the quarter was $-21M. Gross margin was 55.5%. Revenue grew 83.1% year-over-year compared to Q3 2024. Operating income came in at $-53M.
In Q2 2025, UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP reported revenue of $916M and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.37. Net income for the quarter was $32M. Gross margin was 57.2%. Revenue grew -1.2% year-over-year compared to Q2 2024. Operating income came in at $35M.
Over the past 8 quarters, UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP has demonstrated a growth trajectory, with revenue expanding from $927M to $1.88B. Investors analyzing AD stock should weigh these quarterly trends alongside the valuation and quality metrics discussed above.
AD Dividend Yield and Income Analysis
UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP (AD) currently pays a dividend yield of 46.0%. At this yield, a $10,000 investment in AD stock would generate approximately $$4599.00 in annual dividend income.
AD Momentum and Technical Analysis Profile
UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP (AD) has a momentum factor score of 30/100, signaling weak relative price performance. Stocks with low momentum scores have historically tended to continue underperforming in the near term. The investment factor score is 40/100, which measures capital allocation efficiency and asset growth patterns. The short interest score of 6/100 signals elevated short interest, which can indicate bearish sentiment among institutional investors.
AD vs Competitors — Communication Services Sector Ranking and Peer Comparison
Within the Communication Services sector, UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP (AD) ranks #81 out of 134 stocks based on the Blank Capital composite score. This places AD in the lower half of all Communication Services stocks in our coverage universe. Key competitors and sector peers include MILLICOM INTERNATIONAL CELLULAR SA (TIGO) with a score of 61.6/100, TEGNA INC (TGNA) with a score of 49.6/100, VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC (VZ) with a score of 54.2/100, DELUXE CORP (DLX) with a score of 53.8/100, and NEW YORK TIMES CO (NYT) with a score of 53.2/100.
Comparing AD against the S&P 500 benchmark is also instructive for understanding relative performance. Investors can view the full AD vs S&P 500 (SPY) comparison to assess how UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP stacks up against the broader market across all factor dimensions.
AD Next Earnings Date
No upcoming earnings date has been announced for UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP (AD) at this time. Check the earnings calendar for the latest scheduling updates across all stocks in our coverage universe.
Should You Buy AD? — Investment Thesis Summary
The quantitative profile for UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP suggests caution. The quality score of 33/100 flags below-average profitability. The value score of 35/100 indicates premium valuation. Momentum is weak at 30/100, a headwind for near-term performance. Low volatility (stability score 64/100) reduces downside risk.
In summary, UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORP (AD) earns a Reduce rating with a composite score of 33.6/100 as of April 2026. The rating is derived from the Blank Capital Research methodology, which combines six factor dimensions into a single quantitative ranking. Investors should consider these quantitative signals alongside their own fundamental research, risk tolerance, and investment time horizon before making buy or sell decisions on AD stock.
Related Resources for AD Investors
Explore more research and tools: AD vs S&P 500 comparison, top Communication Services stocks, stock screener, our methodology, quality factor explained, value factor explained, momentum factor explained. Compare AD head-to-head with peers: AD vs TIGO, AD vs TGNA, AD vs VZ.