Telecom ETFs in Focus This Earnings Season

Industry Overview - The telecom sector has shown strong performance, with the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index increasing by 50.85% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 17.35% gain [1] - The index has also outperformed the broad market index month to date, rising by 9.52% compared to the S&P 500's 2% gain [1] - The sector's positive outlook is bolstered by optimistic AI growth forecasts and anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2025 [2] Verizon Communications - Verizon reported third-quarter 2025 results with wireless service revenues of $21 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.1% [3] - On a GAAP basis, net income was $5.06 billion or $1.17 per share, up from $3.41 billion or 78 cents per share in the prior-year quarter, driven by top-line growth and lower operating expenses [4] - Total operating revenues increased by 1.5% to $33.82 billion, although it missed the consensus estimate of $34.18 billion [5] - Verizon achieved 261,000 net additions in fixed wireless access, growing its subscriber base to nearly 5.4 million, with a target of 8 to 9 million subscribers by 2028 [5] - The company expects wireless service revenues to grow by 2%-2.8% in 2025 [6] AT&T - AT&T reported third-quarter 2025 results with strong mobility and broadband demand trends, but both adjusted earnings and revenues fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate [7] - On a GAAP basis, net income was $9.28 billion or $1.29 per share, a significant improvement from a net loss of $0.23 billion or a loss of 3 cents per share in the prior-year quarter, largely due to a $5.5 billion gain from the sale of DIRECTV investments [8] - Adjusted earnings remained flat at 54 cents per share, missing the consensus estimate by a penny [9] - Quarterly GAAP operating revenues increased by 1.6% year over year to $30.71 billion, but also missed the consensus mark of $30.96 billion [9] - AT&T recorded 328,000 post-paid net additions, including 405,000 postpaid wireless phone additions [9] - The company aims to enhance operational efficiencies while focusing on 5G and fiber-based connectivity, along with expanding software-based entertainment platforms [10] - For 2025, AT&T expects wireless service revenues to improve by 3% or more, with broadband revenues anticipated to grow in the mid to high-teens [11] ETFs in Focus - Several exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide exposure to the U.S. telecom industry, including: - Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund with 4.13% exposure to AT&T and 4.2% to Verizon [13] - Vanguard Communication Services ETF with 4.12% exposure to AT&T and 3.85% to Verizon [14] - Fidelity MSCI Communication Services Index ETF with 4.13% exposure to AT&T and 3.82% to Verizon [15] - iShares Global Comm Services ETF with 3.62% exposure to AT&T and 3.37% to Verizon [16] - iShares U.S. Telecommunications ETF with approximately 11.59% exposure to AT&T and 11.11% to Verizon [17]