Telecommunications Services
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UCL vs TMUS
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Telecommunications Services
UCL vs TMUS — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ||
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications Services | Telecommunications Services |
| Market Cap | $43M | $210.16B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $85M | $90.53B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $8M | $10.54B |
| Gross Margin | 49.8% | 54.3% |
| Operating Margin | -1.5% | 20.4% |
| Forward P/E | 104.6x | 18.5x |
| Total Debt | $10M | $122.27B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $30M | $5.60B |
UCL vs TMUS — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | Jun 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| uCloudlink Group In… (UCL) | 100 | 6.9 | -93.1% |
| T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS) | 100 | 186.5 | +86.5% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: UCL vs TMUS
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
UCL is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure and sleep-well-at-night.
- Rev growth 7.1%, EPS growth 14.8%, 3Y rev CAGR 7.5%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.61, Low D/E 45.8%, current ratio 1.32x
- Beta 0.61, current ratio 1.32x
TMUS carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for long-term compounding and valuation efficiency.
- 407.2% 10Y total return vs UCL's -93.4%
- PEG 0.62 vs UCL's 2.27
- 8.5% revenue growth vs UCL's 7.1%
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 8.5% revenue growth vs UCL's 7.1% | |
| Value | Lower P/E (18.5x vs 104.6x), PEG 0.62 vs 2.27 | |
| Quality / Margins | 11.6% margin vs UCL's 9.2% | |
| Stability / Safety | Lower D/E ratio (45.8% vs 206.5%) | |
| Dividends | 1.9% yield; 3-year raise streak; the other pay no meaningful dividend | |
| Momentum (1Y) | -2.6% vs TMUS's -21.2% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 11.9% ROA vs TMUS's 4.9%, ROIC 363.4% vs 8.1% |
UCL vs TMUS — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
UCL vs TMUS — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
TMUS leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
TMUS is the larger business by revenue, generating $90.5B annually — 1062.1x UCL's $85M. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 11.6% (TMUS) to 9.2% (UCL). On growth, TMUS holds the edge at +10.6% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $85M | $90.5B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $236,000 | $29.9B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $8M | $10.5B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$5M | $10.7B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +49.8% | +54.3% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | -1.5% | +20.4% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +9.2% | +11.6% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -6.4% | +11.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -16.0% | +10.6% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +21.2% | -12.0% |
Valuation Metrics
UCL leads this category, winning 6 of 7 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 0.9x trailing earnings, UCL trades at a 95% valuation discount to TMUS's 20.0x P/E. Adjusting for growth (PEG ratio), UCL offers better value at 0.02x vs TMUS's 0.67x — a lower PEG means you pay less per unit of expected earnings growth.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $43M | $210.2B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $23M | $326.8B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 0.95x | 19.98x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 104.59x | 18.45x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 0.02x | 0.67x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 3.39x | 10.13x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.47x | 2.38x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.98x | 3.71x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 8.27x | 20.32x |
Profitability & Efficiency
UCL leads this category, winning 8 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
UCL delivers a 32.4% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $32 in annual profit, vs $18 for TMUS. UCL carries lower financial leverage with a 0.46x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to TMUS's 2.07x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), TMUS scores 6/9 vs UCL's 5/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +32.4% | +17.8% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +11.9% | +4.9% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +3.6% | +8.1% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +21.8% | +9.8% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.46x | 2.07x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$20M | $116.7B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $30M | $5.6B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $10M | $122.3B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 22.37x | 5.33x |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
TMUS leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in TMUS five years ago would be worth $14,546 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $1,065 for UCL. Over the past 12 months, UCL leads with a -2.6% total return vs TMUS's -21.2%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors TMUS at 12.0% vs UCL's -35.3% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -31.3% | -2.2% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -2.6% | -21.2% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -72.9% | +40.4% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -89.3% | +45.5% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -93.4% | +407.2% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -35.3% | +12.0% |
Risk & Volatility
TMUS leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
TMUS is the less volatile stock with a -0.28 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than UCL's 0.61 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. TMUS currently trades 74.2% from its 52-week high vs UCL's 27.2% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.61x | -0.28x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $4.19 | $261.56 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $1.10 | $181.36 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +27.2% | +74.2% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 29.1 | 45.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 7K | 5.6M |
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
TMUS is the only dividend payer here at 1.88% yield — a key consideration for income-focused portfolios.
| Metric | ||
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | — | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $254.08 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | — | 54 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | +1.9% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | 3 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | $3.64 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +4.7% |
TMUS leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Total Returns). UCL leads in 2 (Valuation Metrics, Profitability & Efficiency).
UCL vs TMUS: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is UCL or TMUS a better buy right now?
For growth investors, T-Mobile US, Inc.
(TMUS) is the stronger pick with 8. 5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 7. 1% for uCloudlink Group Inc. (UCL). uCloudlink Group Inc. (UCL) offers the better valuation at 0. 9x trailing P/E (104. 6x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS) a "Buy" — based on 54 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — UCL or TMUS?
On trailing P/E, uCloudlink Group Inc.
(UCL) is the cheapest at 0. 9x versus T-Mobile US, Inc. at 20. 0x. On forward P/E, T-Mobile US, Inc. is actually cheaper at 18. 5x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth. The PEG ratio (P/E divided by earnings growth rate) is the most growth-adjusted single valuation metric: T-Mobile US, Inc. wins at 0. 62x versus uCloudlink Group Inc. 's 2. 27x — a PEG below 1. 0 traditionally signals the market is underpricing earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — UCL or TMUS?
Over the past 5 years, T-Mobile US, Inc.
(TMUS) delivered a total return of +45. 5%, compared to -89. 3% for uCloudlink Group Inc. (UCL). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: TMUS returned +407. 2% versus UCL's -93. 4%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — UCL or TMUS?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), T-Mobile US, Inc.
(TMUS) is the lower-risk stock at -0. 28β versus uCloudlink Group Inc. 's 0. 61β — meaning UCL is approximately -319% more volatile than TMUS relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, uCloudlink Group Inc. (UCL) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 46% versus 2% for T-Mobile US, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — UCL or TMUS?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), T-Mobile US, Inc.
(TMUS) is pulling ahead at 8. 5% versus 7. 1% for uCloudlink Group Inc. (UCL). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: uCloudlink Group Inc. grew EPS 1479% year-over-year, compared to 0. 6% for T-Mobile US, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, UCL leads at 7. 5% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — UCL or TMUS?
T-Mobile US, Inc.
(TMUS) is the more profitable company, earning 12. 4% net margin versus 5. 0% for uCloudlink Group Inc. — meaning it keeps 12. 4% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: TMUS leads at 21. 2% versus 4. 8% for UCL. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — UCL leads at 48. 4%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is UCL or TMUS more undervalued right now?
The PEG ratio (forward P/E divided by expected earnings growth rate) is the most precise measure of undervaluation relative to growth potential.
By this metric, T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS) is the more undervalued stock at a PEG of 0. 62x versus uCloudlink Group Inc. 's 2. 27x. A PEG below 1. 0 is traditionally considered the threshold for growth-adjusted undervaluation. On forward earnings alone, T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS) trades at 18. 5x forward P/E versus 104. 6x for uCloudlink Group Inc. — 86. 1x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis.
08Which pays a better dividend — UCL or TMUS?
In this comparison, TMUS (1.
9% yield) pays a dividend. UCL does not pay a meaningful dividend and should not be held primarily for income.
09Is UCL or TMUS better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, T-Mobile US, Inc.
(TMUS) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β -0. 28), 1. 9% yield, +407. 2% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (TMUS: +407. 2%, UCL: -93. 4%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between UCL and TMUS?
Both stocks operate in the Communication Services sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: UCL is a small-cap deep-value stock; TMUS is a large-cap quality compounder stock. TMUS pays a dividend while UCL does not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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