AT&T vs. Comcast: Which Telecom Stock is a Better Buy Right Now?

Core Insights - AT&T Inc. and Comcast Corporation are significant players in the telecommunications industry, with AT&T being one of the largest wireless service providers in North America and Comcast being a leading provider of cable television and broadband services [1][2]. Industry Overview - The U.S. telecommunications industry is expected to be highly competitive and rapidly evolving by 2025, driven by growing 5G adoption, increasing demand for high-speed broadband, and AI-driven network optimization [3]. Comcast's Strategy - Comcast is focusing on value, reliability, and improved user experience in its Xfinity internet offerings, introducing an Everyday Pricing structure with four simple national Internet tiers and unlimited data [4]. - The company has implemented free speed upgrades for Xfinity Internet, increasing upload speeds by up to 100% and enhancing downloads, supported by its fiber-based network covering over 64 million homes [5]. - Comcast is expanding its Xfinity Mobile brand to enhance its competitive edge in the U.S. wireless market, with 23 million hotspots across the country [6]. Challenges for Comcast - Comcast faces challenges from intensifying competition, declining domestic broadband and video customers, and an uncertain macroeconomic environment [7]. AT&T's Strategy - AT&T is experiencing growth in its wireless business, driven by increasing user engagement and demand for higher-tier unlimited plans, while expanding its fiber network to reach 30 million locations [8][9]. - The company has agreements to acquire Lumen's fiber business, adding 1 million fiber customers and 4 million locations, with a goal to reach 60 million fiber locations by 2030 [9]. Challenges for AT&T - AT&T has a high debt burden, with long-term debt of $117.26 billion as of March 31, 2025, and faces competition in a saturated U.S. wireless market [11]. - The company is adjusting its business strategy to focus on 5G and fiber, following the divestiture of its remaining stake in DIRECTV to enhance liquidity [12]. Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AT&T's 2025 sales indicates a growth of 1.57% year over year, while EPS is expected to decline by 10.18% [13]. - For Comcast, the 2025 sales estimate indicates a decline of 1.23% year over year, with EPS projected to match the previous year's figure of $4.33 [14]. Price Performance - Over the past year, AT&T's stock has gained 45.1%, while Comcast's stock has declined by 10.2% [18]. - From a valuation perspective, Comcast appears more attractive, trading at a price/earnings ratio of 7.77 compared to AT&T's 12.58 [19]. Conclusion - Both companies are focusing on expanding their fiber broadband infrastructure and customer base amid competition, with AT&T's strategic divestitures and strong fiber footprint providing a competitive edge [21].