Market Overview - Pre-market futures are showing a flat trend with a slight downward bias following a record closing high for the Dow on Tuesday [1] - The Dow is down 9 points, S&P 500 is up 3 points, Nasdaq is down 38 points, and Russell 2000 is down 9 points at this hour [1] Federal Reserve Insights - Fed Governor Michael Barr is scheduled to make appearances ahead of the upcoming monetary policy decision from the FOMC [2] - Analysts are nearly unanimous in expecting a 25 basis-point rate cut next Wednesday, which would lower the Fed funds rate to a range of 3.75-4.00% [2] Q3 Earnings Reports - **AT&T (T)**: Reported Q3 earnings of 54 cents per share, missing estimates by 1 cent, with revenues of $30.71 billion, down 0.81% from estimates. Shares are down 1.6% [3] - **Thermo Fisher (TMO)**: Reported earnings of $5.79 per share, beating estimates of $5.50, with revenues of $11.12 billion, exceeding expectations by 2%. Shares are up 2% [4] - **GE Vernova (GEV)**: Reported earnings of $1.64 per share, missing the consensus of $1.78 by 7.87%, but revenues of $9.97 billion were 8.62% higher than anticipated. Shares are up 3.8% [5] - **Teck Resources (TECK)**: Reported earnings of 55 cents per share, surpassing projections by 41%, with revenues of $2.46 billion, exceeding consensus by 14.3%. This company may gain relevance due to rare earth negotiations with China [6] Upcoming Earnings Expectations - **Tesla (TSLA)**: Expected to report negative earnings per share, down 26.4% year over year, but with a 5% increase in revenues. Shares are up 9.6% year to date [7] - **IBM**: Anticipated to report earnings 6% higher and revenues up 7.57% for the quarter, with shares having gained 28% since the start of the year [9] - **Southwest Airlines (LUV)**: Facing a tough year-over-year comparison with expected earnings growth down 93% but a slight revenue increase of 1.44% [9]

About this content About Emily Jarvie Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues grew by 1.6% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 2.4% and adjusted EBITDA margins expanding by 30 basis points [11] - Adjusted EPS was $0.54, consistent with the prior year, while free cash flow was $4.9 billion compared to $4.6 billion a year ago [11] - Capital investment decreased by $200 million year over year to $5.3 billion, with a $400 million contribution to the employee pension plan impacting free cash flow [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mobility service revenue grew by 2.3% year over year, contributing to EBITDA growth of 2.2% [13] - Consumer wireline revenues increased by 4.1%, driven by a 16.8% growth in fiber revenue, with consumer wireline EBITDA growing over 15% [17] - Business wireline revenues declined by 7.8% year over year, while fiber and advanced connectivity service revenues grew by 6% [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Over 550,000 new subscribers were added to AT&T's advanced broadband services, marking the highest total broadband net adds in over eight years [4] - The convergence rate of fiber customers who also subscribe to mobility services reached 41.5%, up 180 basis points from a year ago [18] - The company passed more than 31 million locations with fiber and expects to reach over 60 million by the end of 2030 [4][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the best advanced communications provider in America, focusing on convergence and expanding its advanced connectivity portfolio through acquisitions [7][10] - Planned acquisitions of spectrum licenses from EchoStar and fiber assets from Lumen are expected to enhance the company's connectivity capabilities [9][10] - The strategy includes transitioning away from legacy copper infrastructure and investing in AI-ready connectivity [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year financial guidance, with expectations for service revenue growth in the low single-digit range and adjusted EBITDA growth of 3% or better [21] - The competitive environment remains challenging, but the company believes its focus on converged customer relationships will drive profitability and reduce churn [56][59] - Management anticipates continued pressure on ARPU due to targeting underpenetrated segments, but expects overall service revenue growth [60][61] Other Important Information - The company returned $3.5 billion to shareholders, including nearly $1.5 billion in stock repurchases, and ended the quarter with over $20 billion in cash [20][21] - The company expects to achieve full-year free cash flow in the low to mid-$16 billion range, with capital investments projected at $22 to $22.5 billion [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about broadband competition and DSL base decline - Management reassured that they have a strong product and scalable build engine, allowing them to effectively compete against new entrants [28][30][32] Question: Market segmentation between fiber and fixed wireless - The company is focused on ensuring that marketing efforts are targeted and that customers are directed to the appropriate service based on geography [42][44] Question: Positioning in a competitive wireless market - Management believes they are well-positioned to compete and will adjust strategies as necessary to maintain market share [54][56] Question: Long-term organic growth and M&A strategy - Management emphasized a focus on organic growth and internal efficiencies rather than pursuing additional acquisitions at this time [68][69] Question: Confidence in Lumen and EchoStar transactions - Management expressed confidence in the expected benefits from the Lumen and EchoStar transactions, with no unexpected issues arising during planning [78][80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues grew by 1.6% year over year, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 2.4%, leading to a 30 basis point expansion in adjusted EBITDA margins [11] - Adjusted EPS remained consistent at $0.54, and free cash flow for the quarter was $4.9 billion, up from $4.6 billion a year ago [11] - Capital investment decreased by $200 million year over year to $5.3 billion, with a $400 million contribution to the employee pension plan impacting free cash flow [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mobility service revenue grew by 2.3% year over year, contributing to a 2.2% increase in EBITDA [13] - Consumer wireline revenues increased by 4.1%, driven by a 16.8% growth in fiber revenue, with consumer wireline EBITDA growing over 15% [17] - Business wireline revenues declined by 7.8% year over year, while fiber and advanced connectivity service revenues grew by 6% [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company passed over 31 million locations with fiber and aims to reach over 60 million by the end of 2030 [4] - AT&T Fiber subscribers exceeded 10 million, with a significant increase in broadband net adds, marking the highest total in eight years [5][18] - The convergence rate of fiber customers who also subscribe to mobility services reached 41.5%, up 180 basis points from the previous year [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the best advanced communications provider in America, focusing on convergence and expanding its advanced connectivity portfolio through acquisitions [7][10] - Planned acquisitions of spectrum licenses from EchoStar and fiber assets from Lumen are expected to enhance the company's connectivity capabilities [9][10] - The strategy includes transitioning away from legacy copper infrastructure to invest in AI-ready connectivity [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year financial guidance, with expectations for service revenue growth in the low single-digit range and adjusted EBITDA growth of 3% or better [21][22] - The competitive environment remains challenging, but the company believes its focus on converged customer relationships will drive profitability and reduce churn [56][60] - Management anticipates continued pressure on ARPU due to targeting underpenetrated segments, but expects overall service revenue growth [54][61] Other Important Information - The company returned $3.5 billion to shareholders, including nearly $1.5 billion in stock repurchases, maintaining a target of $4 billion for the year [20] - The company ended the quarter with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.59x, reflecting strong cash generation [20] - The company expects to provide an update on its long-term financial outlook early next year, following the completion of key acquisitions [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about broadband competition and DSL base decline - Management reassured that they have a strong product and scalable build engine, allowing them to effectively compete against new entrants [28][30][32] Question: Market segmentation between fiber and fixed wireless - Management emphasized targeted marketing strategies to ensure efficient segmentation and avoid overlap between fiber and fixed wireless customers [42][44] Question: Positioning in a competitive wireless market - Management expressed confidence in their ability to navigate competitive pressures and focus on converged customer strategies to enhance profitability [55][59] Question: Long-term outlook on M&A and succession planning - Management indicated a focus on organic growth and internal operations, with no immediate plans for further acquisitions [68][70] Question: Confidence in Lumen and EchoStar acquisitions - Management confirmed confidence in the strategic value of the Lumen and EchoStar assets, expecting them to enhance organic growth and profitability [78][80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues grew by 1.6% year over year, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 2.4%, leading to a 30 basis point expansion in adjusted EBITDA margins [10] - Adjusted EPS remained consistent at $0.54, excluding certain gains and costs [10] - Free cash flow for the third quarter was $4.9 billion, up from $4.6 billion a year ago [10] - Capital investment decreased by $200 million year over year to $5.3 billion [10] - Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved slightly to 2.59 times from 2.64 times in the previous quarter [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mobility service revenue grew by 2.3% year over year, contributing to a 2.2% increase in EBITDA [11] - The company added 405,000 postpaid phone net adds, slightly up from the previous year [12] - Consumer wireline revenues increased by 4.1%, driven by a 16.8% growth in fiber revenue [16] - Consumer wireline EBITDA grew over 15%, with margins expanding by 350 basis points year over year [16] - AT&T Fiber customer base reached over 10 million, with 288,000 new Fiber customers added in the third quarter [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The convergence rate of fiber customers who also subscribe to mobility services reached 41.5%, up 180 basis points from a year ago [17] - Business wireline revenues declined by 7.8% year over year, while EBITDA decreased by about 13% [18] - Fiber and advanced connectivity service revenues grew by 6% year over year, accelerating from 3.5% growth in the second quarter [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the best advanced communications provider in America and lead in retail connectivity service revenue by the end of the decade [6] - Planned acquisitions of spectrum licenses from EchoStar and fiber assets from Lumen are expected to enhance the connectivity portfolio [6][8] - The company is transitioning away from legacy copper infrastructure to invest in AI-ready connectivity [8] - The focus is on organic growth and improving operational efficiency without the need for further acquisitions [64] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year guidance, with service revenue growth expected in the low single-digit range and adjusted EBITDA growth of 3% or better [20][21] - The competitive environment remains challenging, but the company is well-positioned to manage through it by focusing on converged customer relationships [56] - Management anticipates continued pressure on ARPU due to targeting underpenetrated segments, but overall service revenue growth is expected to remain strong [58] Other Important Information - The company returned $3.5 billion to shareholders, including nearly $1.5 billion in stock repurchases [19] - The company expects to achieve full-year free cash flow in the low to mid-$16 billion range, with capital investments projected at $22 to $22.5 billion [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about fiber expansion and competition - Management reassured that they have a strong build strategy and are confident in their ability to penetrate markets effectively, despite competition [28][29][31] Question: Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) market segmentation - Management highlighted a targeted marketing approach to ensure efficient segmentation between fiber and fixed wireless offerings [42][44] Question: Future promotional activity and ARPU pressure - Management indicated that they are well-positioned for competitive markets and expect to manage ARPU pressure through a focus on converged services [56][58] Question: Confidence in Lumen and EchoStar acquisitions - Management expressed confidence in the accretion from these acquisitions, noting that they are on track with their conservative modeling [70][73]

Financial Performance - AT&T reported $49 billion in free cash flow for 3Q25[19], excluding DIRECTV - The company's consolidated service revenue grew by 08% year-over-year (YoY)[16, 21] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 24% YoY[18, 24] - Adjusted EPS remained at $054, excluding DIRECTV[26] Mobility Segment - AT&T gained 405K postpaid phone subscribers in net adds[11, 29] - Mobility service revenue experienced a growth of 23% YoY[12, 30] - Mobility EBITDA increased by 22% YoY[31, 36] Consumer Wireline (Fiber) - AT&T Fiber gained 288K net adds[14, 40] - AT&T Internet Air added 270K net adds[41] - AT&T Fiber revenue grew by 168% YoY[14, 42, 44] Business Wireline - FirstNet connections increased with 316K additions[53] - Business Wireline revenue decreased by 93% YoY[54] - Business Wireline EBITDA declined by 129% YoY[56, 59] Capital Allocation - AT&T repurchased $15 billion worth of shares in 3Q25[61] - Net debt saw a year-over-year reduction[62] - Capital investment totaled $53 billion[64] 2025 Financial Guidance - The company anticipates low-single-digit growth in consolidated service revenues[69] - Mobility service revenues are projected to grow by 3% or better[69] - Consumer Fiber broadband revenues are expected to increase in the mid-to-high teens[69]

Earnings Overview - Earnings season is gaining momentum with major companies like Tesla, Netflix, General Motors, and Ford reporting results this week [1][3] - As of October 17, 12% of S&P 500 companies have reported results, with analysts expecting an 8.5% increase in earnings per share for Q3, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of positive earnings growth but a slowdown from the 12% growth in Q2 [1][2] Sector Performance - A diverse range of sectors is represented in the earnings reports, including airlines, toy manufacturers, and telecom providers, with consumer spending updates expected from companies like Procter & Gamble and Deckers Outdoors [4] - Companies such as GE Vernova reported a 55% increase in orders to $14.6 billion, driven by its power and electrification equipment division, despite profits being below expectations [8][9] Company-Specific Highlights - Hilton reported adjusted earnings of $2.11 per share, exceeding expectations, while revenue per available room (RevPAR) declined 1.1% year-over-year [11][12] - AT&T surpassed subscriber estimates due to strong demand for bundled services and iPhone promotions, leading to a nearly 2% rise in stock [13][14] - Intuitive Surgical's stock surged 15% after beating earnings estimates, driven by strong demand for surgical robots [15] - Texas Instruments' stock fell 7% following a weaker-than-expected Q4 outlook, with projected sales of $4.22 billion to $4.58 billion [16][17] - Capital One reported a 23% increase in total net revenue to $15.4 billion, with earnings per share of $4.83, surpassing expectations [19][20] - Philip Morris experienced an 8% drop in stock after reporting a 3.2% decline in cigarette shipments, although smokeless product shipments increased by 16.6% [21][22][23] - 3M raised its annual earnings outlook after reporting sales of $6.3 billion, slightly above estimates, with adjusted earnings per share of $2.19 [24][25] - Halliburton's stock rose over 5% after reporting adjusted earnings of $0.58 per share, exceeding estimates despite a revenue decline to $5.6 billion [26][27] - GE Aerospace's stock increased over 2.5% after reporting a 26% revenue growth to $11.3 billion and raising its full-year EPS forecast [30][31] Market Sentiment - Bank of America noted that 76% of S&P 500 companies reporting so far have exceeded earnings expectations, indicating a stronger-than-usual earnings season [42][43] - Ally Financial reported better-than-expected consumer health, with earnings per share of $1.18, surpassing estimates [45][46]

Core Insights - The company is focusing on providing both fiber and wireless services to more customers, indicating a strategic shift towards integrated service offerings [1] - The company reports that this strategic move is yielding positive results, suggesting an increase in customer acquisition or retention [1] - Analysts are expected to closely observe the effects of promotional activities on the company's performance [1]

Core Insights - AT&T's revenue increased in the third quarter, despite lower-than-expected phone sales in its mobility business [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company reported an advancement in revenue during the third quarter [1] - Phone sales in the mobility segment were lower than anticipated [1]

Core Insights - The Verizon 2025 Mobile Security Index (MSI) indicates a significant increase in mobile attacks, with 85% of organizations reporting a rise in such incidents [1] - Organizations are responding by increasing mobile security spending, with 75% of them enhancing their security budgets over the past year [1] - The rise of generative AI (genAI) is expanding the attack surface, with 34% of organizations concerned about sophisticated AI-powered attacks and 38% fearing that AI will make ransomware more dangerous [1] Mobile Security Threat Landscape - The current environment is described as a "perfect storm" where AI-powered threats are more advanced, and human error remains a critical vulnerability [2] - A significant 39% of organizations found that up to half of their employees clicked on malicious links during smishing tests, highlighting the intersection of human behavior and mobile security risks [2] Organizational Response and Adaptation - The MSI serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing that mobile security is now a personal responsibility for every employee [3] - Organizations are urged to rethink their security measures in light of AI-assisted attacks and to support employees in using technology securely [3] SMBs vs. Large Enterprises - Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) feel disadvantaged in terms of resources, with 57% agreeing that they struggle more than larger enterprises to respond to cybersecurity threats [4] - 54% of SMBs believe they have more to lose from a security breach, a sentiment echoed by larger enterprises [4] - A notable 63% of organizations experienced major issues due to downtime, and 50% reported data loss as their top concern [4] Future Security Strategies - A unified approach to network and mobile security is essential for resilience against cyber threats [5] - Organizations are increasing their security spending and adopting a broader perspective on defense strategies [5] Evolving Threats and Defenses - Only 17% of businesses have specific security controls against AI-assisted attacks, which poses a significant risk as cybercriminals leverage genAI for more sophisticated attacks [7] - A staggering 93% of organizations report that employees use genAI on their mobile devices, with 64% identifying data compromise through genAI as their primary mobile risk [7] Training and Implementation - Organizations are focusing on training, with 66% planning to train more employees on mobile security compared to 56% of SMBs [8] - There is a push for more comprehensive AI risk training, with 50% of organizations implementing this compared to 39% of SMBs [8] - Advanced multifactor authentication is being adopted by 57% of organizations, while only 45% of SMBs are doing the same [8]