Key Takeaways Clearfield is gaining from demand for fiber installation solutions and regional network expansion. CLFD benefits from BEAD program prospects, supply chain resiliency, and strong liquidity metrics. COMM is expected to see strong traction for its XPND fiber platform despite macro headwinds.Clearfield, Inc. (CLFD) and CommScope Holding Company Inc. (COMM) are major players in the fiber broadband space. Clearfield is an industry leader in fiber management and deployment solutions. CommScope is a ...

Core Insights - AT&T and Charter Communications are significant players in the fiber broadband industry, with AT&T being a major wireless service provider and Charter being the second-largest cable operator in the U.S. [1][2] Group 1: AT&T Overview - AT&T is experiencing growing demand in its fiber network business, adding 261,000 fiber customers in Q1 2025 and reaching 30 million locations across the U.S. [4][10] - The company is acquiring Lumen's Mass Markets fiber Internet business for $5.75 billion, which will enhance its fiber expansion capabilities and customer base [5][6] - AT&T's postpaid wireless business is performing well, with 324,000 new postpaid phone additions and a churn rate of 0.83% in Q1 2025 [7] Group 2: Charter Overview - Charter serves approximately 30.1 million customers and is investing $7 billion to extend fiber to 1.7 million rural locations, aiming for multi-gig speeds [2][12] - The company added 514,000 mobile lines in Q1 2025, bringing its total to 10.4 million, and is enhancing its network to offer symmetrical and multi-gig speeds [13] - Charter's current ratio is 0.36, indicating potential liquidity challenges, while its debt-to-cap ratio stands at 82.2% [14] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Both companies face stiff competition in the fiber network market, particularly from Verizon and each other [8][14] - AT&T's wireline division is struggling with losses due to competition from VoIP providers and aggressive offerings from cable companies [8] - Charter's merger with Cox is expected to strengthen its competitive position in mobile and broadband communications [13] Group 4: Financial Performance and Estimates - Charter's EPS is forecasted to grow by 13.07%, while AT&T's EPS is expected to decline by 8.41% [10][15] - Over the past year, AT&T's stock has gained 54.6%, while Charter's has returned 36.1% [18] - Charter's shares trade at a lower price/earnings ratio of 8.97 compared to AT&T's 13.02, making it more attractive from a valuation standpoint [18] Group 5: Investment Outlook - Charter has shown steady revenue growth, while AT&T faces challenges with declining wireline customers and competition [22] - Charter's aggressive fiber expansion strategy and favorable valuation metrics position it as a potentially better investment option [22]