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Core Viewpoint - The National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended that AT&T modify its advertising to clarify that not every customer on every AT&T plan can receive a free iPhone 16 Pro, following a challenge initiated by Verizon Communications Inc. [1][5] Group 1: Advertising Claims - The claim "Learn how everyone gets iPhone 16 Pro on us" was challenged for potentially misleading consumers into believing that all AT&T customers are eligible for a free phone [2][5] - NAD found that the term "everyone" could be interpreted as implying that all AT&T subscribers are eligible, but reasonable consumers would understand there are limitations [3][4] Group 2: Recommendations and Appeals - NAD determined that AT&T must disclose that the offer only applies to certain plans, which is material information that should be clearly communicated [5] - AT&T announced its intention to appeal NAD's decision to the National Advertising Review Board (NARB) [5]

Core Viewpoint - AT&T's stock performance has lagged behind the broader market, with upcoming earnings expected to show a decline in earnings per share while revenue is projected to increase slightly [1][2][3]. Company Performance - AT&T's stock closed at $28.35, down 1.53% from the previous session, underperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.29% [1]. - Over the past month, AT&T shares have appreciated by 0.81%, significantly lower than the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 8.98% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.08% [1]. Upcoming Earnings - AT&T is set to release its earnings on October 22, 2025, with an expected earnings per share of $0.54, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 10% [2]. - Revenue for the upcoming quarter is projected to be $30.96 billion, indicating a 2.47% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2]. Annual Forecast - The Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast annual earnings of $2.05 per share and revenue of $124.99 billion, representing a decline of 9.29% in earnings and a growth of 2.17% in revenue compared to the previous year [3]. Analyst Estimates - Recent changes to analyst estimates for AT&T suggest a correlation with short-term business trends, with positive revisions indicating optimism about the company's outlook [3][4]. Zacks Rank and Valuation - AT&T currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), with the Zacks Rank system showing a strong historical performance for 1 ranked stocks [5]. - The company has a Forward P/E ratio of 14.06, which is lower than the industry average of 21.44, indicating a potential valuation discount [6]. Industry Context - The Wireless National industry, part of the Computer and Technology sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 182, placing it in the bottom 27% of over 250 industries [7].

Financial Projections and Share Repurchase - AT&T Inc. reiterated its financial projection for the full year 2025 and plans to repurchase $20 billion worth of shares between 2025 and 2027 [1] - The company remains on course to meet its previously declared financial goals, which include raising adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EPS, and consolidated service revenue [1] Customer Demand and Subscriber Growth - During the third quarter, AT&T reported solid customer demand in its wireless business [2] - The firm anticipates larger subscriber net additions for AT&T Fiber and AT&T Internet Air in the second half of 2025 compared to the first half for its Consumer Wireline division [2] Fiber Connectivity Expansion - By the end of 2030, AT&T expects to have more than 60 million fiber locations, which is about double its current coverage [3] - The company reiterated its plans to boost fiber internet connectivity [3] Business Overview - AT&T provides a wide range of wireless communication services and data solutions to various customer groups, including corporations, governmental organizations, wholesale customers, and individual consumers [3]

Core Points - Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas has posted a $25 million bond to avoid arrest in the US over an alleged debt owed to AT&T Inc [1][4] - Salinas, with a net worth of $7.5 billion, owns several businesses including Elektra, TV Azteca, and Banco Azteca, and is known for his opposition to the Mexican government [2][6] - The legal dispute with AT&T stems from an alleged debt related to unpaid taxes from Salinas's previous telecom business, which AT&T acquired in 2014 [3][4] Legal Proceedings - A New York State Supreme Court Judge found Salinas and his companies in contempt of court for failing to pay the alleged debt, leading to a personal contempt ruling against Salinas [4][5] - The judge ordered Salinas to pay AT&T $20 million within two weeks or face incarceration, highlighting the severity of the situation [4][5] Financial Pressures - In addition to the legal issues with AT&T, Salinas's companies are facing pressure from bondholders of TV Azteca, who have not received repayments on their investments [6] - Grupo Salinas has expressed willingness to engage in discussions with bondholders regarding debt restructuring [6]

Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas has posted a $25 million bond to avoid arrest in the US over an alleged debt some of his companies owe to AT&T https://t.co/sawl3Sbvf2 ...

Core Insights - AT&T is recognized for its global market leadership in passenger vehicle connectivity, supported by extensive network coverage, customer-focused innovation, and adaptable business models [1] Group 1 - AT&T's unmatched network coverage is a key factor in its leadership position in the passenger vehicle connectivity market [1] - The company emphasizes customer-centric innovation as a driving force behind its success in this sector [1] - Flexible business models are highlighted as a significant aspect of AT&T's strategy in maintaining its market leadership [1]

Group 1 - AT&T Inc. is positioned as one of the top communication services stocks to consider for investment, with plans to enhance its 5G and fiber networks to become the leading telecommunications provider in the U.S. by the end of the decade [1] - The acquisition of mid-band spectrum from EchoStar/DISH is crucial for AT&T's expansion, ensuring stability for future capacity needs and targeting specific customer segments with wireless-only solutions in areas lacking fiber infrastructure [2] - AT&T offers a diverse range of wireless communication services and data solutions to various customer groups, including corporations, government entities, wholesale customers, and individual consumers [3]

The author has an honours degree in economics and politics with a focus on economic development. With 36 years of experience in executive management he has extensive knowledge of insurance/reinsurance, Global and Asia Pacific markets, climate change and ESG. He invests in his personal capacity.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of T either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not recei ...

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three dividend-paying stocks that have historically provided strong income and are expected to continue doing so, making them attractive for investors seeking reliable dividend income. Group 1: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola has increased its dividend for the 63rd consecutive year, showcasing its status as a top dividend growth stock [4] - The company reported a 7% rise in comparable earnings per share when excluding foreign exchange effects, indicating strong financial performance [5] - With a dividend yield of 3%, Coca-Cola offers more than double the S&P 500 average and has seen a stock price increase of over 6% this year [6] Group 2: Realty Income - Realty Income, a real estate investment trust (REIT), offers a monthly dividend yield of 5.3%, making it attractive for income investors [8] - The REIT has increased its monthly payout for the 132nd time, reflecting its commitment to regular dividend payments [9] - Realty Income's funds from operations (FFO) per share increased to $2.11, up from $2.01 a year ago, with dividends representing about 77% of adjusted FFO [10] Group 3: AT&T - AT&T has not increased its dividend since 2020 due to operational changes but is expected to resume dividend growth as financials improve [11][12] - The company anticipates free cash flow to rise from $16 billion this year to $19 billion by 2027, supporting potential future dividend increases [12] - AT&T's current dividend yield is 3.8%, and the stock has appreciated by 37% over the past year, trading at a P/E multiple of 17 [13]