Key PointsVerizon and AT&T present deep value and high yield for income investors, but are they value traps?AT&T issued weak guidance for earnings impacted by costs.Verizon produced growth in critical areas and is growing its dividend: analysts raise targets. 5 stocks we like better than Verizon CommunicationsVerizon Communications Inc. NYSE: VZ and AT&T Inc. NYSE: T have presented value and yield to investors for years. However, they failed to sustain interest in their stocks, creating a drag on portfolio ...

AT&T (T -2.97%) stock lost ground in Wednesday's daily trading. The telecom company's share price closed out the session down 3%, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.AT&T published fourth-quarter results before the market opened this morning, delivering mixed top- and bottom-line results. The company's revenue grew 2.2% year over year to hit $32.02 billion and beat the Wall Street target by $560 million. On the other hand, non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) adjusted earnin ...

Shares of AT&T (T -3.23%) were falling today after strong phone subscriber additions were overshadowed by weak guidance for the new year.After gaining yesterday in sympathy with a better-than-expected earnings report from Verizon, AT&T stock was down 2.9% as of 11:31 a.m. ET.AT&T's fourth quarter was solidDespite the pullback, AT&T delivered a solid quarter, topping estimates on the top line but missing slightly on the bottom line.Wireless service revenue, the growth component of the business, was up 3%, wh ...

AT&T Investor Update January 24, 2024 2023 4th QUARTER EARNINGS ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues increased by 2.2% for Q4 2023 and 1.4% for the full year, driven by wireless service revenue, broadband revenues, and growth in Mexico, partially offset by a decline in business wireline [18][19] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 3.2% for Q4 and 4.7% for the full year, with mobility, consumer wireline, and Mexico contributing to growth, while business wireline saw a decline [19] - Free cash flow for Q4 was $6.4 billion, and for the full year, it reached $16.8 billion, a 19% increase year-over-year [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mobility segment added 526,000 postpaid phone net adds in Q4, with revenues up more than 4% for the quarter and 2.7% for the year [22][23] - Fiber business saw 273,000 new fiber customers added in Q4, with broadband revenues growing over 8% year-over-year due to fiber revenue growth [25] - Business wireline EBITDA decreased by about 19% in Q4, impacted by prior year discrete revenues not repeating [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mid-band 5G network is now available to over 210 million people, and fiber has been expanded to more than 26 million locations [7] - The company has grown its fiber subscriber base by 3.4 million over the past three years, reflecting a nearly 70% increase [8] - Mobility postpaid phone ARPU was $56.23, up 1.4% year-over-year, driven by targeted pricing actions [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue its investment-led strategy focusing on 5G and fiber networks to enhance customer experience and drive efficiency [4][5] - Plans to target underpenetrated segments such as value-oriented customers and small to medium-sized businesses to improve performance [12][13] - The company is committed to achieving a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.5 times by the first half of 2025 [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of postpaid phone growth and the overall health of the wireless industry [39][41] - The economic outlook is seen as resilient, with expectations for continued growth in 2024 despite potential inflationary pressures [70] - Management is optimistic about the company's positioning in the industry and the ability to deliver on commitments [17][44] Other Important Information - The company achieved $6 billion in run rate cost savings ahead of schedule and set a new target for an additional $2 billion by mid-2026 [9][10] - The company plans to continue enhancing digital and self-service channels supported by AI to improve customer experience [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of postpaid phone growth in 2024 - Management indicated that the market is expected to remain stable, with no significant changes anticipated in growth strategies [37][39] Question: Balance sheet and capital allocation decisions - Management emphasized the importance of investing in business growth while also considering shareholder returns and balance sheet improvements [42][45] Question: Pricing in wireless and AT&T Air initiative - Management stated that pricing strategies will continue to align with the value provided to customers, and AT&T Air will be used selectively to serve specific market segments [54][56][60] Question: Economic outlook for consumers and businesses - Management noted that the economy appears resilient, with no signs of consumer distress, and expects continued growth in 2024 [70]

AT&T Inc. (T) reported relatively healthy fourth-quarter 2023 results as solid wireless traction and customer additions was partially offset by lower demand for legacy voice and data services. The company recorded strong subscriber growth backed by a resilient business model and robust cash flow position driven by a diligent execution of operational plans.AT&T expects to continue investing in key areas of 5G and fiber and adjust its business according to the evolving market scenario to fuel long-term growth ...

Key TakeawaysAT&T's fourth quarter adjusted earnings of 54 cents a share missed analyst expectations.The wireless carrier saw revenue increase 2.2% from a year ago to a better-than-expected $32 billion.Total wireless net additions of 5.9 million were greater than analyst consensus of 5.4 million.AT&T (T) shares dropped 2.8% in early trading Wednesday after reporting fourth quarter earnings that missed analyst expectations, despite a revenue beat.The wireless carrier's adjusted earnings of 54 cents per dilut ...

For the quarter ended December 2023, AT&T (T) reported revenue of $32.02 billion, up 2.2% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.54, compared to $0.61 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue represents a surprise of +1.79% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $31.46 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.55, the EPS surprise was -1.82%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectation ...

About this content About William Farrington William kickstarted his career as a researcher and reporter for a global legal publication, covering everything from public law to M&A. Before moving to Proactive Investors, he worked as a reporter for a major fintech company with a focus on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Harking from Queensland, Australia, William obtained first-class honours in journalism and media from Birkbeck University before going on to complete an MA in creative and critical ...

The Fiber Broadband Association recently unveiled the findings of its 2023 Fiber Deployment Cost Study, conducted by Cartesian. This study serves as a pivotal benchmark for fiber broadband service providers, offering insights into cost profiles and areas of inefficiency. The implications of this study extend beyond statistical figures, providing a roadmap for industry participants navigating the complex terrain of fiber deployment.Labor: A Dominant Cost FactorThe study underscores the significant role of la ...